The first leg of the 2024/25 Champions League playoff between Club Brugge (Belgium) and Atalanta (Italy) will take place on February 12 at the Jan Breydel Stadium. Club Brugge vs. Atalanta: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Club Brugge
Nicky Hayen's side could not withstand the pressure from Manchester City in the last round of the group stage, losing 1-3 away. As a result, Club Brugge ended their unbeaten run of four matches in the Champions League (2 wins, 2 draws). Moreover, the team conceded at least three goals for the third time in the group stage. Nevertheless, the Belgians advanced to the playoffs, finishing in 24th position in the standings. Notably, the club has the lowest goal-scoring record among all playoff participants in this Champions League (7).
- The club has not won in regular time in 12 of their last 17 home matches in the Champions League (4 draws, 8 losses).
- At least one of the opponents has failed to score in 8 of the last 9 home matches in this European competition.
- Club Brugge players have not scored more than one goal in regular time in 9 of their last 11 home games in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Club Brugge (4-2-3-1)
Simon Mignolet – Maxime De Cuyper, Brandon Mechele, Joel Ordonez, Joaquin Sosa – Raphael Onyedika, Ardon Jashari – Ferran Jutgla, Hans Vanaken, Chemsdine Talbi – Christos Tzolis.
Atalanta
In their last Champions League outing, Gian Piero Gasperini's men drew 2-2 with Barcelona away. As a result, Atalanta concluded the group stage with only one loss (4 wins, 3 draws). Furthermore, the team scored at least two goals in five consecutive Champions League matches. However, the Bergamaschi fell out of the top eight in the standings and did not avoid the playoffs. The club has been prolific, scoring 20 goals in the group stage, second only to Barcelona (28) and Borussia Dortmund (22).
- The team has not lost in regular time in their last five away matches in the Champions League (3 wins, 2 draws).
- At least four goals have been scored in 6 of the last 8 away matches in this European competition.
- The Italians have scored exactly two goals in the second half in 4 of their last 5 away matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Atalanta (3-4-2-1)
Rui Patricio – Isak Hien, Berat Djimsiti, Rafael Toloi – Raoul Bellanova, Marten de Roon, Ederson Lourenco, Davide Zappacosta – Mario Pasalic, Charles De Ketelaere – Mateo Retegui.
Defenders Giorgio Scalvini, Sead Kolasinac, and Odilon Kossounou, as well as forwards Daniel Maldini, Ademola Lookman, and Gianluca Scamacca, will miss the game due to injuries. The participation of goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi and defender Matteo Ruggeri is questionable due to illness.
Referee
Halil Meler (Turkey)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 25;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 20;
Penalties – 29%.
Club Brugge vs. Atalanta: Match Prediction
In the current Champions League group stage, the Belgians performed commendably at home, suffering only one defeat in four matches. However, the overall trend shows that even at home, Club Brugge does not exhibit consistent play, particularly in defense. In their last 16 home matches in the Champions League, the team has kept a clean sheet only five times, and in half of these games, they conceded at least two goals.
It will be challenging for Nicky Hayen's side to contain Atalanta's potent attack, as the Bergamaschi score frequently, even away from home. In each of their last seven away encounters in this European competition, the team has scored at least twice, and in the current Champions League group stage, they netted 13 goals in four away matches, second only to Barcelona (14). Additionally, Gian Piero Gasperini's men warmed up well for the away match against Club Brugge by scoring five goals against Verona on their turf in Serie A.
I expect a strong attacking display from the visitors, with at least two goals scored. My prediction: Atalanta individual total over 1.5 goals
