Dramatic 3-3 in club brugge vs atlético madrid leaves tie delicately poised

Club Brugge produced a stirring fightback to draw 3-3 with Atlético Madrid in a rollercoaster Champions League play-off first leg, a result that hands momentum and questions to both sides ahead of the return in Madrid. The hosts twice came from behind and salvaged parity with an 89th-minute finish to leave the tie finely balanced.

Stunning comeback and late equaliser

Atlético made a bright start and led 2-0 at the break thanks to a Julian Alvarez penalty and a goal from Ademola Lookman. The penalty followed a mistimed clearance from home full-back Joaquín Seys that was ruled a handball in the box, and Lookman bundled in on his European debut for Atlético just before half-time.

Brugge responded after the interval. Raphael Onyedika reduced the deficit with a close-range prod shortly after the restart, restoring belief in the home crowd. Nicolo Tresoldi then produced a composed finish on the hour mark to level, getting across his marker and steering the ball past goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

The match swung again when Atlético introduced Alexander Sorloth. The Norway international tested the frame of the goal and later won a dangerous sequence that led to Joel Ordoñez turning the ball into his own net, restoring Atlético's lead. But Brugge would not be denied: Christos Tzolis produced an unerring finish in the 89th minute to level at 3-3 and spark wild celebrations at the Jan Breydelstadion.

Key moments and player impact

Several individual contributions shaped the evening. Julian Alvarez's calm from the spot gave Atlético an early edge, while Lookman's goal underlined his instant impact at his new club. For Brugge, Onyedika's energy and willingness to get into the box paid dividends, and Tresoldi's alertness to get across his marker was crucial in turning the tie back towards the hosts.

Defensive errors and momentum shifts defined the match. Joaquín Seys' handball and Ordoñez's own goal were costly moments for Brugge, but the hosts' refusal to sit back after the second-half equaliser proved decisive. Atlético's decision to bring on Sorloth briefly swung momentum their way, but they were ultimately punished by a late, clinical Tzolis finish.

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak was busy at times, called into action by Brugge's increased attacking threat after the break. Diego Simeone, coaching from the touchline, saw his side display moments of control but also an uncharacteristic susceptibility to quick responses from the home team.

What it means for the return leg

The tie heads to the Wanda Metropolitano with everything to play for. The return is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 at 3: 00 PM ET. Both teams will reassess: Atlético will want to tighten defensive concentration and convert their opportunities without conceding late, while Brugge will take confidence from rescuing a result and knowing they can score in Madrid if they carry the same belief.

Beyond qualification, the winners of this play-off will meet one of the Premier League sides already waiting in the last 16. The six-goal thriller makes the path forward unpredictable and sets up a high-stakes return leg where small margins will decide who progresses in Europe's elite competition.

Ultimately, Wednesday's game offered a vivid reminder that European knockout football can flip several times in 90 minutes—and that neither side can feel secure until the final whistle in the second leg.