The Matchday 2 encounter of the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Atalanta (Italy) and Club Brugge (Belgium) will take place on September 30 at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. Atalanta vs. Club Brugge: prediction, betting odds, and statistics.
Atalanta
Ivan Juric's men were unable to pose a challenge to PSG in their away fixture of the first round (0-4). As a result, Atalanta suffered their first heavy defeat in the Champions League in 22 matches, also ending their seven-match scoring streak in this European competition. It is also worth noting that the Bergamo side has lost each of their last three Champions League encounters. The Italians are at the bottom of the group stage standings.
- The club has not won in 6 of their last 7 home matches in the Champions League (3 draws, 3 losses).
- At least four goals have been scored in 6 of the team's last 7 encounters in this European competition.
- The Italians have conceded at least two goals in 5 of their last 6 Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Atalanta (3-4-3)
Marco Carnesecchi – Odilon Kossounou, Honest Ahanor, Berat Djimsiti – Raoul Bellanova, Marten de Roon, Mario Pasalic, Davide Zappacosta – Lazar Samardzic, Nikola Krstovic, Daniel Maldini.
Defenders Giorgio Scalvini and Sead Kolasinac, midfielder Nicola Zalewski, and forwards Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca will miss the match due to injuries. The participation of defender Isak Hien and midfielder Ederson Lourenco is also in doubt.
Club Brugge
In the first round, Niki Haeyens' side left no chance for Monaco on their home turf (4-1). Consequently, Club Brugge extended their winning streak in the Champions League to five matches, with the last two being won by a large margin. Furthermore, the club has scored at least three goals in four consecutive Champions League matches, although they have only kept a clean sheet twice in their last ten games in this tournament. Club Brugge shares the 3rd and 4th spots in the group stage standings.
- The team has not lost in the first half of their last six away matches in the Champions League (4 wins, 2 draws).
- Both teams have scored in 5 of the club's last 7 away matches in this European competition.
- At least three goals have been scored in 9 of Club Brugge's last 10 Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Club Brugge (4-3-3)
Nordin Jackers – Kyrian Sabbe, Joel Ordonez, Brandon Mechele, Bjorn Meijer – Aleksandar Stankovic, Hans Vanaken, Sem Audoor – Carlos Forbs, Nicolo Tresoldi, Christos Tzolis.
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and midfielder Raphael Nwadike will not play due to injuries.
Referee
Espen Eskas (Norway)
Matches – 17 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 72;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 29%.
Match Prediction: Atalanta vs. Club Brugge
In recent years, Atalanta has not excelled in the Champions League and even on their home ground, victories have been rare. Over their last 13 home matches in this European competition, Atalanta has won only twice, suffering six defeats in this span. Additionally, they have conceded 22 goals during this period, and the current Champions League campaign began with a heavy defeat to PSG.
Club Brugge started confidently in the current Champions League and, in my opinion, can continue in the same vein. Moreover, the club often achieves positive results even away: in their last 12 away matches in the Champions League, the Belgians have lost only four times (5 wins, 3 draws). It is also worth noting that in the previous edition of this European competition, Club Brugge faced Atalanta in the playoffs and won both matches (2-1 and 3-1).
I believe the Belgians are capable of earning points in Bergamo, so my prediction: Club Brugge to win or draw
