club brugge keert terug tegen atlético madrid in epische 3-3
Brugge, woensdag, 18 februari 2026.
In het Jan Breydelstadion wist Club Brugge een 2-0-achterstand om te buigen naar een 3-3 gelijkspel tegen Atlético Madrid. Na rust begon de comeback met een treffer van Raphael Onyedika vlak voor rust. Nicolò Tresoldi maakte het verschil in de tweede helft. Een eigen doelpunt van Joel Ordóñez leek Atlético op voorsprong te houden. Tot Christos Tzolis in de 87e minuut, na VAR-check, de 3-3 maakte. Hans Vanaken dirigeerde het elftal onder druk. De sensatie zorgt dat alles nog mogelijk is in de return.
dramatic start sets stage for comeback
Atlético Madrid opened the scoring in the seventh minute through a penalty converted by Julián Álvarez [6]. The decision followed a VAR review confirming a handball by Joaquín Sáenz of Club Brugge [6]. This early pressure saw Atlético establish control, eventually extending their lead before halftime. The visitors displayed clinical efficiency despite ongoing concerns over injuries to key midfielders [5]. Club Brugge struggled to respond initially under intense visiting pressure [6].
halftime turnaround begins
Just before halftime, Club Brugge ignited hopes with a goal from Raphael Onyedika in the 45+3rd minute [6]. The strike came amid growing home momentum following Atlético’s earlier dominance. Captain Hans Vanaken orchestrated play from deep positions, attempting to steady the hosts after conceding twice in stoppage time before the break [6]. His leadership proved pivotal during a critical transition phase [6]. The goal shifted momentum ahead of the second half.
second-half surge and setbacks
Nicolò Tresoldi equalized for Club Brugge in the 55th minute, capitalizing on sustained offensive pressure [6]. However, Atlético regained the advantage six minutes later due to an unfortunate own goal by Joel Ordóñez [6]. The deflection resulted from a cross by Antoine Griezmann, who continued to influence proceedings off the flank [6]. Despite the setback, Brugge maintained attacking intensity, registering multiple attempts blocked by goalkeeper Jan Oblak [6].
late drama sealed by tzolis
Christos Tzolis scored the final goal in the 87th minute, completing the 3-3 comeback after a VAR review confirmed the ball crossed the line [6]. The initial save by Oblak was overturned upon video confirmation [6]. This climactic moment followed six minutes of added time, reflecting the match’s physical toll and relentless pace [6]. Both benches made tactical substitutions aiming to shift dynamics, including introductions of Hugo Siquet and Romeo Vermant [6].
tactical and personnel factors
Club Brugge managed without injured goalkeeper Dani Van den Heuvel, relying on Simon Mignolet’s experience [5]. Atlético missed Pablo Barrios and Nicolás González due to muscular issues, weakening their midfield rotation [5]. Disciplinary actions included yellow cards shown to Álex Baena and Marc Pubill for reckless challenges [6]. Managerial decisions by both coaches reflected caution amid fluctuating game states, preserving options for the return leg [5].