The first leg of the 2024/25 Champions League playoffs 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 couldn't 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 four-match unbeaten run in the Champions League (2 wins, 2 draws). Additionally, the team conceded at least three goals for the third time in the group stage. Nevertheless, the Belgians advanced to the playoffs, finishing 24th in the standings. Notably, the club's scoring record is low – Club Brugge has the worst goal-scoring record among all playoff participants in the current 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 failed to score in 90 minutes in 8 of the last 9 home games of the team in this European competition.
- Club Brugge players have not scored more than one goal in regular time in 9 of their last 11 home matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Club Brugge (4-3-3)
Simon Mignolet – Maxim De Cuyper, Brandon Mechele, Joel Ordonez, Joaquin Sosa – Raphael Onyedika, Ardon Jashari, Hans Vanaken – Ferran Jutgla, Chemsdine Talbi, Christos Tzolis.
Defender Bjorn Meijer will not play due to injury.
Atalanta
In their last Champions League match, Gian Piero Gasperini's side drew 2-2 with Barcelona away. As a result, Atalanta finished the group stage with only one loss (4 wins, 3 draws). Additionally, the team scored at least two goals in their fifth consecutive Champions League match. However, the Bergamaschi fell out of the top 8 in the standings and could not avoid the playoffs. Notably, the club's scoring record is high – with 20 goals in the group stage, the Italians were outscored only by 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 were scored in 90 minutes in 6 of the last 8 away matches of the club in this European competition.
- The Italians 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, Stefan Posch – 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 in doubt 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 group stage of the current Champions League, the Belgians performed well at home, suffering only one defeat in four matches. However, the general trend is that even at home, Club Brugge does not consistently perform well, especially 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 those matches, they conceded at least two goals.
It will be difficult for Nicky Hayen's side to contain Atalanta's powerful attack – the Bergamaschi score a lot even away in the Champions League. In each of the last seven away matches in this European competition, the team has scored at least twice, and in the current Champions League group stage, they scored 13 goals in four away matches, second only to Barcelona (14). Additionally, Gian Piero Gasperini's side warmed up well for the away match against Club Brugge by scoring five goals against Verona on their field in Serie A.
I expect a strong attacking performance from the visitors with at least two goals scored. My prediction: Atalanta individual total over 1.5
