club brugge vs atlético madrid: Hosts fight back to leave Champions League tie delicately poised
Club Brugge produced a stirring late equaliser to earn a 3-3 draw with Atletico Madrid in a Champions League knockout play-off first leg, leaving the tie alive ahead of the return in Madrid. The Jan Breydelstadion served up a see-saw contest that will be decided next week.
Second-half fightback and a dramatic late leveller
Atletico looked in control at half-time after a near-perfect opening. Julian Alvarez put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot when Brugge full-back Joaquin Seys was penalised for handling in his own box, and Ademola Lookman bundled in a second just before the interval on his European debut for Atletico. The 2-0 scoreline at the break suggested Simeone’s side would cruise, but the second half told a different story.
Brugge started the half on the front foot. Raphael Onyedika poked home soon after the restart to make it 2-1, energising the home crowd and shifting momentum. Nicolo Tresoldi then drew Brugge level on the hour, getting across his marker to steer the ball beyond goalkeeper Jan Oblak and into the net. The equaliser came after Brugge had shown growing purpose in attack, with Onyedika twice going close in the opening period when Atletico had eased off after taking the lead.
Late swings, a costly own goal and Tzolis to the rescue
Diego Simeone reacted by introducing Alexander Sorloth, a substitution that almost immediately altered the contest. Sorloth struck the woodwork within minutes and continued to worry the Brugge defence, forcing Joel Ordonez into an unfortunate own goal that put Atletico back ahead. For a moment it looked as if the visitors would hold on for a narrow advantage, but Brugge kept probing.
With time running out Christos Tzolis produced a composed finish in the 89th minute to restore parity and round off a thrilling six-goal contest. The late equaliser ensured the tie remains delicately poised ahead of the return leg in Madrid.
What the result means and the road ahead
The draw hands both teams chances heading into the second leg. Brugge will take belief home after twice fighting back, while Atletico will note missed opportunities and will hope to tighten up defensively in front of their crowd. The return match is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 at 3: 00 PM ET in Madrid, with the winners set to face the victor of the Liverpool–Tottenham tie in the last 16.
Key takeaways: Atletico’s early clinical moments were matched by Brugge’s second-half character; Sorloth’s introduction shifted momentum before Ordonez’s own goal; and Tzolis’s late strike leaves the tie wide open. The upcoming second leg promises to be tense, with both sides carrying clear chances of progression.
