club brujas - atlético madrid: Brujas rally to snatch 3-3 draw in Champions playoff first leg
Club Brujas came from behind to force a 3-3 draw with Atlético Madrid at the Jan Breydelstadion on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, leaving the tie wide open ahead of the return in Madrid. Atlético led 2-0 at the interval through Julián Álvarez and Ademola Lookman and briefly regained the lead before a late equaliser left both sides level.
Match report: turning tide after the break
Atlético controlled large stretches of the first half and went into the break with a deserved 2-0 advantage. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring and Lookman doubled the lead, with an own goal from Joel Ordóñez later adding to Atlético’s tally. Antoine Griezmann registered an assist in the tie, a contribution that added to his growing European résumé.
But the second half produced a dramatic swing. Brujas intensified their pressure down the wings and exploited space behind Atlético’s full-backs. Waves of Belgian attacks forced changes and created openings; Brujas scored three times after the break to overturn the deficit. The final equaliser came from Tzolis, who made it 3-3 and ensured the tie will be decided at Atlético’s stadium next week.
Key statistics, milestones and tactical notes
Several notable numbers emerged from the night. Atlético have now scored in eight of their nine Champions League matches this edition and are on a six-match scoring streak in the competition, their best run since the 10-game streak between October 23, 2024 and September 30, 2025. Conversely, Brujas have found form as well, scoring in their last three Champions League outings.
Defensively there are concerns for Atlético: across this Champions League campaign the team has conceded six goals inside the first 15 minutes after half-time—only two sides have conceded more in that period. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak marked his 50th away appearance in the Champions League with Atlético, becoming one of only two players to reach 50 or more away matches for the club in the competition; Koke remains the only teammate with a higher total. Antoine Griezmann made his 100th European appearance for Atlético, including the Super Cup, placing him behind only Koke and Oblak in that club milestone list.
On the tactical front, Atlético struggled to contain Brujas’ intensity on the right flank. Attempts to plug the gap there failed at times: Nahuel Molina and Giuliano were frequently isolated and outnumbered, while substitutions such as Baena and Sorloth helped blunt some of Brujas’ momentum later in the match. The coach described Brujas as the most intense side in the competition, highlighting the physical and pressing approach the hosts used to overturn the scoreline.
What’s next: a decisive return to Madrid
The return leg is set for Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at 6: 45 PM ET in Madrid. With the aggregate level at 3-3 the tie is finely poised: Atlético will aim to tighten its defensive shape and protect wide areas that were repeatedly targeted, while Brujas will trust the momentum and intensity that produced the comeback. Both teams have work to do, and the second leg promises to be a high-stakes encounter where small tactical adjustments could decide which side advances.
Expect Atlético to chase greater control of the flanks and for Brujas to try to recreate the relentless pressure that overturned a two-goal deficit. The margin for error is minimal and the atmosphere in Madrid next week will likely be decisive.
