Champions League Playoff Showdown: Club Brugge vs Atalanta Battle Begins

Champions League Playoff Kick-off

The stage is set for an intense UEFA Champions League knockout playoff as Club Brugge clashes with Atalanta. This thrilling encounter takes place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the famed Jan Breydelstadion in Belgium, promising a high-stakes battle with kick-off at 12:45 PM ET. Fans worldwide can catch the action live on Paramount+.

Heading into this face-off, Atalanta rides on a wave of confidence after a resounding 5-0 win against Hellas Verona in their recent Serie A fixture. Standout performances, particularly from striker Mateo Retegui, have made Atalanta one to watch. Meanwhile, Club Brugge is riding the momentum gained by narrowly securing their playoff position over Dinamo Zagreb.

Team News and Tactical Lineups

Club Brugge boasts a fully fit squad, a crucial advantage in such a pivotal match. Simon Mignolet is set to guard the posts with predicted support from Seys, Mechele, Ordonez, and De Cuyper at the back. Key midfield players like Jashari and Onyedika aim to control the game, while the attacking trio Talbi, Vanaken, and Tzolis provide offensive firepower with Jutgla leading the frontline.

Facing them, Atalanta is dealing with the absence of Daniel Maldini due to injury. Despite this setback, their lineup remains strong. Rui Patricio will likely take the goalkeeping position, with defensive support from Posch, Hien, and Djimsiti. Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, and Ruggeri are expected to handle midfield duties while De Ketelaere and Pasalic will fuel the attack, with Retegui spearheading efforts to score.

One of the key plotlines is Charles De Ketelaere's return to his former stomping ground at Club Brugge, adding a personal edge to the match. Keeping an eye on Hans Vanaken’s performance will also be crucial for the Belgian side’s hopes.

Atalanta has proven their mettle away from home, already securing impressive results in the league phase with wins at Shakhtar and Young Boys. In contrast, Club Brugge's journey has been less smooth, struggling against giants like Manchester City.

With the odds favoring Atalanta at +105 for this leg and after Club Brugge's narrow 2-1 first-leg upset, the return leg in Bergamo becomes even more tantalizing. A contentious penalty, converted by Gustaf Nilsson, has set a heated atmosphere for what’s shaping up to be a thrilling resolution in Italy.