club brujas - atlético madrid: 3-3 Thriller in Belgium Sets Up Decisive Return
Club Brujas overturned a two-goal half-time deficit to snatch a 3-3 draw against Atlético Madrid in a chaotic first leg that leaves the tie wide open ahead of the return in Madrid. Julián Álvarez and Ademola Lookman had given Atlético a strong first-half advantage, but Brujas' intensity and a late leveller from Tzolis forced the draw.
Match narrative and key moments
Atlético looked in control at the interval after goals from Julián Álvarez and Ademola Lookman, plus an own goal by Joel Ordóñez that extended the visitors' lead. The Rojiblancos dominated the first 45 minutes and arrived at the break holding a 2-0 lead, a platform that in past European ties often proved decisive.
Brujas, however, raised the tempo after the restart. Waves of pressure from the home side — described by Atlético’s coach as the most intense in the competition — quickly paid off. The Belgian side hit back during the second half, producing a sustained spell that ultimately culminated in Tzolis' equaliser to make it 3-3 and leave the tie level after the first leg.
Defensive vulnerabilities were exposed for Atlético down the right flank, where Nahuel Molina and Giuliano appeared repeatedly overrun by Brujas' wide play. Even with defensive adjustments, Atlético were unable to stop the sustained local onslaught in the second half, and the match finished all square.
Statistics, milestones and implications
The draw carries several notable statistical lines. Atlético have now scored in eight of their nine matches in this edition of the Champions League, a run only bettered by one club in the competition so far. The Rojiblancos have also managed to find the net in their last six continental fixtures, matching a recent best run for the club in Europe.
On the individual front, Jan Oblak marked his 50th away appearance in the Champions League with Atlético, joining a very short list of players at the club to reach 50 or more appearances in the competition. Antoine Griezmann notched his 100th appearance in European competition for Atlético, becoming the third player to reach that milestone for the club.
One worrying trend for Atlético this campaign is defensive lapses early in the second half across matches: the side has conceded six goals during the first 15 minutes after the break in this Champions League edition, a tally only bettered by two other teams. That statistic underlines why the return leg in Madrid is far from comfortable for the visitors.
What comes next
The second leg will be settled at Atlético’s stadium next week, with the teams meeting again on Tuesday at 12: 45 PM ET. Atlético will head into that fixture knowing they twice led in Belgium — first 0-2 and later 2-3 — but could not close the game out. For Brujas, the result vindicates an aggressive approach and gives them momentum to take to Madrid.
Atlético must sharpen their defensive shape and curb the pressure they have been conceding early in the second half if they are to avoid a repeat. Brujas will aim to replicate the intensity that produced the comeback, while also managing the tactical shift that a packed stadium in Madrid will force.
With key players hitting milestones and both teams showing strengths and vulnerabilities, the tie promises a tense return leg where small margins — and game management over 90 minutes — will decide who advances.
