PREVIEW: Club Brugge face misfirng Atlético Madrid in Champions League play-off first leg | OneFootball

Club Brugge aim to give themselves the best chance of reaching the Champions League round of 16 for the third time in as many seasons with victory against misfiring Atlético Madrid in their playoff round first leg at Jan Breydelstadion.

Brugge, also in a title race with a bid to win their first Belgian Pro League title since 2021, bested Marseille 3-0 in their final group game to leapfrog the French side and finish in 19th.

That result had major consequences at the French club, with both the head coach Roberto De Zerbi and sporting director Medhi Benatea resigning within the space of a few days.

Brugge’s two appearances in the last 16 is the furthest into the competition the Belgian side have ever gone, and after beating rivals Cercle Brugge last time out, they now face the challenge of Spain’s top teams.

But their opponents’ current situation is anything but comfortable, as Diego Simeone’s side are in a major state of flux compounded by a 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vellecano that left them fourth, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Atleti have suffered back to back defeats and with them stumbling in Europe, the veteran manager has his work cut out in trying to bring silverware to the Metropolitano.

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak’s comments about Atlético’s title chances being “thrown away” by the sides complacency were dismissed by the Argentine manager, but it is clear that all is not well behind the scenes.

The side lost the chance to make the top eight, after succumbing to a shock defeat from surprise package Bodo/Glimt who themselves face Italian giants Inter Milan in the Arctic Circle.

That defeat, coupled with a tough draw away at Galatasaray, meant Atlético will only progress to the Champions League round of 16 the hard way.

Club Brugge don’t have too much to worry about on the injury front, although they will be without defenders Lynnt Audoor and Dani Van Den Heuvel who have both sustained longer term injuries.

Simeone’s side have been fortunate with injuries throughout this season, and will be boosted by new winger Ademola Lookman being in good fitness and form – picking up two goals and assists in his last five games.

However, star midfielder Pablo Barrios remains out injured and will not feature.