Champions League
2026-02-18 - Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
A Sports Betting Pick by Gladiator
Football: Champions League - Play Offs - 1/16 Finals
Jan Breydel Stadion (Brugge), Belgium
Wednesday, 18th February 2026 - Kick Off 21:00 CET
Club Brugge
Club Brugge arrive at this first leg full of belief after doing just enough in the league phase to reach the knockouts for the second straight season. They finished strongly and have carried that momentum into domestic action, winning five of their last six matches in all competitions. A 2-1 derby victory over Cercle Brugge at the weekend kept confidence high and the atmosphere at the Jan Breydel Stadion is expected to be electric.
European nights in Brugge have been productive lately. The Belgian champions have scored at least twice in each of their last five home games and already proved last season that they can handle this stage of the competition. They eliminated Atalanta in a similar tie and will believe they can trouble another heavyweight here, especially with their sharp starts and attacking output on home soil.
Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone rotated heavily at the weekend and paid the price as his side were beaten 3-0 by Rayo Vallecano. That result exposed some cracks, particularly away from home, where performances have been inconsistent in Europe. They are currently enduring a poor run on the road in continental competition and have conceded in each of their last eight Champions League matches.
Still, this is a team with vast experience in two-legged ties. Atl Madrid know how to manage knockout football and often improve once the pressure rises. Simeone will likely revert to his strongest lineup here, aiming to keep things compact and controlled before taking the tie back to Madrid for the return leg.
Betting Verdict
First legs at this stage are often cagey, and while both sides have attacking threats, the stakes should keep things relatively tight.
Brugge are strong at home but unlikely to overcommit, while Atl Madrid will prioritise structure and damage limitation if necessary.
Even if both teams get on the scoresheet, it is hard to see this turning into a high-scoring affair. Under 3.5 goals looks the sensible option in what should be a competitive but controlled encounter.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Club Brugge 1-2 Atletico Madrid
