club brujas - atlético madrid: 3-3 draw leaves tie alive after dramatic second-half swing
Club Brujas rallied from behind to snatch a 3-3 draw at the Jan Breydelstadion, leaving this Champions League knockout tie finely poised heading to the return in Madrid. Atlético took control early but were unable to see the game out as a late finish levelled the score and handed momentum back to the hosts.
Match overview — Atlético's lead undone
Atlético looked comfortable for long stretches, taking an advantage they held at half-time. Goals from Julián Álvarez and Ademola Lookman — plus an own goal by Joel Ordóñez — gave the visitors what appeared to be a decisive cushion. The Rojiblancos extended their run of scoring in the competition, finding the net in eight of their nine Champions League games this season and continuing a six-match streak that is their best run since a 10-game spell between October 2024 and September 2025.
But Brujas mounted repeated waves of pressure after the interval. The hosts exploited space down Atlético’s right flank, where the visitors struggled to contain the intensity. Full-backs and wide men repeatedly overran Nahuel Molina and Giuliano, and substitute interventions from Rodrigo Baena and Alexander Sorloth were required to steady the ship at times. Despite those efforts, Brujas found the finishes they needed — the final equaliser from Tzolis denied Atlético the victory and set up an intriguing return leg.
Key stats, milestones and what to expect in Madrid
Several personal milestones stood out amid the drama. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak marked his 50th away appearance in the Champions League with Atlético, joining an elite group of players with 50 or more away matches for the club — a list that includes Koke. Antoine Griezmann reached his 100th European appearance for Atlético, becoming the third player in the club’s history to hit that mark alongside his long-serving teammates.
Griezmann also contributed to the attacking cause in this tie: he now has two assists in this Champions League edition, the most by any Atlético player so far. The team’s defensive numbers in the opening stages of second halves remain a concern; Atlético have conceded six goals in the first 15 minutes after half-time across this Champions League campaign, a tally only bettered by two other clubs in the competition.
The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday at 6: 45 PM ET at Atlético’s home ground. With the aggregate level, the tie will be decided over 90 minutes (plus any extra time, if needed) and both managers will have clear work to do. Atlético must shore up their right side and manage Brujas’ intensity for the full 90 minutes; Brujas will aim to replicate the second-half pressure that earned them a priceless draw on home soil.
Coach Diego Simeone highlighted the physical challenge his side faced, calling Brujas "the most intense team in the Champions" and stressing that Atlético will need to be sharper to close out the tie at home. For Brujas, the result is a statement: they arrive in Madrid with belief, having scored in their last three Champions League outings — their best run in the competition since early 2025.
In short, a tie that looked under control for Atlético turned into a razor-edge encounter. Madrid will prepare to host a buoyant Brujas side next Tuesday evening, with qualification very much up for grabs.
