<p><em>Atletico Madrid arrive in Bruges as favourites to claim a crucial first-leg advantage. The Spanish giants face a Club Brugge side unbeaten against them in their last two meetings, setting up a fascinating tactical battle at Jan Breydel Stadium.</em></p> <ul> <li><strong>Competition: </strong>UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase Play-off (First Leg)</li> <li><strong>Venue:</strong> Jan Breydel Stadium, Bruges, Belgium</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> Wednesday, February 18, 2026</li> <li><strong>Kick-off:</strong> 7:00 AM AEDT (Thursday, February 19)</li> </ul> <h2>Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid Form and Head to Head</h2> <p>The head-to-head record between these clubs makes for interesting reading. Club Brugge emerged victorious in their most recent home encounter, claiming a 2-0 win in October 2022 before holding Atletico to a goalless draw at the Metropolitano later that month. Those results will give the Belgian champions genuine belief heading into this first leg.</p> <p>Club Brugge's domestic form has been impressive, with four wins from their last five matches including a commanding 3-0 victory over Marseille in <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-uefa-champions-league">Champions League</a> action.</p> <p>Atletico's recent results paint a different picture, managing just two wins from five matches while enduring an unusual streak of consecutive draws in <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/spain/spanish-la-liga">La Liga</a>. Diego Simeone's side currently sit third in the Spanish top flight.</p> <h2>Midfield Absences Could Prove Costly for Simeone</h2> <p>Club Brugge face late fitness tests on several key figures. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet's fitness will be monitored, with Nordin Jackers on standby should the Belgium international miss out. Christos Tzolis and Lynnt Audoor are also uncertain starters, though captain Hans Vanaken should feature as he continues his remarkable run of appearances for the club.</p> <p>Atletico Madrid will be without midfielder Pablo Barrios, sidelined with a muscle injury. His absence weakens Simeone's ball-winning structure considerably.</p> <p>On the positive side, Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez are available to spearhead the attack alongside Ademola Lookman in Simeone's attacking system.</p> <h2>Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid Betting Markets</h2> <p>For the latest Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid odds and markets, check out our dedicated odds page here at Sportsbet. The match winner market has generated plenty of interest, though the goals markets deserve close attention given both sides' contrasting European records.</p> <p>Club Brugge have been involved in high-scoring Champions League matches this season, averaging over 2 goals per game at both ends. Atletico possess significant attacking quality. The Both Teams to Score market looks particularly appealing given these statistics. For those new to <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer">soccer betting</a>, this fixture offers several interesting angles to consider.</p> <h2>Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid Prediction: Our Pick</h2> <p><strong>Atletico Madrid's quality should ultimately tell, though we expect both sides to find the net in an open first-leg encounter.</strong></p> <p>Simeone's side possess too much individual talent to be kept quiet across 180 minutes. Griezmann and Alvarez have the guile to unlock Club Brugge's defence, which has leaked goals regularly in this competition.</p> <p>However, the hosts boast genuine attacking threat through Tzolis, who has contributed strongly this season, and their excellent home record in European competition suggests they can breach Atletico's backline.</p> <p>The visitors' midfield absence adds an element of risk, but their pedigree in knockout football makes them hard to oppose. Back Atletico to edge this one while expecting goals at both ends. If you're looking to explore more <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-uefa-champions-league">UCL betting</a> opportunities, there's plenty of action across the knockout rounds.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-europa-league">Everything you need to know about betting on the Europa League</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/what-is-xg-soccer-explained">What xG actually tells us (and what it doesn't)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/most-trophies-football-history">The players who've won more trophies than anyone else in football</a></li> </ul>