Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid prediction 18.02.2026 | Champions League

Club Brugge quietly believe this could be their year to push further. The Gazelles have reached the last 16 twice in the past three seasons, although Benfica in 2022 to 23 and Aston Villa in 2024 to 25 ended those runs. That experience matters. It shapes how a squad handles these nights.

Ivan Leko’s men come in after a 2-1 win over Cercle Brugge, their second straight victory. More broadly, five wins from the last six matches suggests rhythm. That run includes European successes over Kairat and Marseille, which adds credibility.

At home in the Champions League, the Gazelles have won four of their last six. Not perfect, but strong enough to believe. Nicolò Tresoldi has eight league goals and three goals plus two assists in Europe. He should lead the line, supported by Mamadou Diakhon and Carlos Forbs, who together have five Champions League goals.

Dani van den Heuvel is sidelined with a leg issue. Otherwise, the squad looks healthy and settled, which on a night like this is no small detail.

Atletico Madrid are used to navigating this competition. Los Colchoneros have failed to get out of the group stage only once in the last seven seasons. That pedigree counts. However, this current version under Simeone has been unpredictable.

Two wins from the last six games does not scream stability. Yet those victories were emphatic, 5-0 against Betis and 4-0 over Barcelona. That is the paradox. When Atletico click, they can look ruthless. When they do not, the attack feels blunt.

Away form is another concern. Just one win from the last four road fixtures, and only one victory in the previous five away Champions League matches.

Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone are expected to return to the starting eleven after rests. That should sharpen the edge, at least in theory.