Atalanta vs Club Brugge: Match Preview, Predictions & Lineups
Published:
Atalanta BC return to Bergamo needing to overturn a 2–1 first-leg deficit against Club Brugge, managed by Nicky Hayen, after conceding a stoppage-time goal from Nilsson in Belgium. Despite controlling 56% possession, Atalanta’s defensive lapses and Brugge’s clinical counter-attacks made the difference.
This will be only their second-ever meeting in the Champions League, with Brugge holding the advantage thanks to goals from Jutglà (15') and Nilsson (90+4'), while Pašalić (41') netted for Atalanta.
Match Details
- Fixture: Atalanta vs Club Brugge
- Date: 18 February 2025
- Kick-off: 20:00 CET
- Venue: Stadio di Bergamo, Bergamo
- First Leg Result: Club Brugge 2–1 Atalanta
Head-to-Head Record
- Meetings: 1 (First Leg)
- Club Brugge Wins: 1
- Atalanta Wins: 0
- Draws: 0
- Club Brugge Goals: 2
- Atalanta Goals: 1
First Leg Recap (12 Feb 2025)
- 15' Jutglà (Club Brugge): Scored early after a defensive lapse from Atalanta.
- 41' Pašalić (Atalanta): Equalized from a close-range finish.
- 90+4' Nilsson (Club Brugge): Headed home the winner from a cross.
Team Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)
Atalanta – Recent Matches
- (D) Atalanta 0-0 Cagliari (15 Feb 2025, Seria A)
- (L) Club Brugge 2–1 Atalanta (12 Feb 2025, UCL)
- (W) Verona 0–5 Atalanta (8 Feb 2025, Serie A)
- (L) Atalanta 0–1 Bologna (4 Feb 2025, Italian Cup)
- (D) Atalanta 1–1 Torino (1 Feb 2025, Serie A)
Form Overview: 1 Win, 2 Draws, 2 Losses. Atalanta’s attack shone in their 5–0 rout of Verona, but defensive issues surfaced in defeats to Bologna and Club Brugge.
Club Brugge – Recent Matches
- (D) STVV 2-2 Club Brugge (15 Feb 2025, Belgian Pro League)
- W) Club Brugge 2–1 Atalanta (12 Feb 2025, UCL)
- (W) Club Brugge 1–0 Leuven (8 Feb 2025, Belgian Pro League)
- (D) Genk 1–1 Club Brugge (5 Feb 2025, Belgian Cup)
- (L) Antwerp 2–1 Club Brugge (2 Feb 2025, Belgian Pro League)
Form Overview: 2 Wins, 2 Draws, 1 Loss. Under Nicky Hayen, Club Brugge have shown resilience, bouncing back from a heavy defeat at Manchester City with two consecutive wins, including their triumph over Atalanta.
First Leg Key Stats and Analysis
(Club Brugge 2–1 Atalanta, 12 Feb 2025)
Key Moments
- 15' Jutglà: Scored after Atalanta’s defensive lapse.
- 41' Pašalić: Equalized from close range.
- 90+4' Nilsson: Scored a stoppage-time winner from a cross.
Insight: Despite dominating possession and passing, Atalanta were vulnerable to Brugge’s counters and aerial deliveries. Brugge completed 5 crosses (42% accuracy) compared to Atalanta’s 2 crosses (20% accuracy).
Tactical Breakdown
Atalanta BC (3-4-1-2) – Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini
Strengths:
- Set-Piece Threat: Scored via a corner (Pašalić) in the first leg.
- Ball Recovery: 44 recoveries (Hien leading with 8).
- High-Tempo Pressing: Forced Brugge into 12 tackles and 11 fouls.
Weaknesses:
- Wing Vulnerability: Conceded from wide crosses twice.
- Missed Chances: 11 attempts but only 4 on target.
Key Players:
- Charles De Ketelaere: UCL leader in assists (5), motivated against his former club.
- Isak Hien: UCL leader in recovered balls (73).
- Mario Pašalić: Scored in the first leg.
Predicted Line-up:
- Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio
- Defenders: Stefan Posch, Isak Hien, Berat Djimsiti
- Midfielders: Raoul Bellanova, Marten de Roon, Éderson, Davide Zappacosta
- Attacking Midfielder: Mario Pašalić
- Forwards: Charles De Ketelaere, Mateo Retegui
Club Brugge (4-3-3) – Manager: Nicky Hayen
Strengths:
- Counter-Attacking: Scored twice from breaks in the first leg.
- Aerial Dominance: Won 5 aerial duels in Atalanta’s penalty area.
- Efficient Crossing: 42% cross accuracy (5 completed crosses).
Weaknesses:
- Indiscipline: 3 yellow cards in the first leg.
- Possession Issues: Only 44% and completed 77 fewer passes than Atalanta.
Key Players:
- Andreas Nilsson: Scored the stoppage-time winner.
- Jutglà: Scored the opener and was Brugge’s main outlet in attack.
- Vetlesen: Created 3 key passes and dominated midfield transitions.
Predicted Line-up:
- Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
- Defenders: Joaquin Seys, Brandon Mechele, Joel Ordonez, Maxim de Cuyper
- Midfielders: Hans Vanaken, Hugo Vetlesen, Raphael Onyedika
- Forwards: Jutglà, Christos Tzolis, Nilsson
Statistical Insights and Historical Context
- Atalanta’s Record vs Belgian Clubs: W0 D0 L3 (Winless in all meetings)
- Club Brugge’s Record vs Italian Clubs: W6 D7 L12 (Including 2 wins vs Atalanta and Milan)
- Atalanta has won just one of their last six UCL home matches.
- Club Brugge has failed to win any of their last 3 UCL away matches.
Match Prediction and Betting Insights
- Full-Time Result: Atalanta to Win
- Both Teams to Score: Yes
- Over 2.5 Goals: Yes
Reasoning
- Atalanta’s strong home form and possession play should see them overturn the deficit.
- Club Brugge’s counter-attacking style will ensure they score, but Atalanta’s pressing and set-piece efficiency should prove decisive.
- With De Ketelaere motivated against his former club and Retegui’s goalscoring prowess, Atalanta has the edge.
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Final Notes
This tie promises end-to-end action, with Atalanta aiming to exploit their home advantage and Brugge looking to maintain their narrow lead under Nicky Hayen. Expect high intensity, potential extra time, and a thrilling conclusion to this knockout battle.
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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.
