The Champions League play-offs are here and Club Brugge are still flying the flag for Belgium.
Defending Jupiler Pro League champions, they will have to defeat Atalanta over the course of two legs to reach the knockout rounds.
It is a tall order for Nicky Hayen’s side – but anything is possible in club football’s biggest competition!
Below is betFIRST’s full match preview, complete with some betting tips for your midweek football bet.
And if your bet this week is winning during the matches, keep in mind our Cash Out feature, which allows you to collect money before the full-time whistle is blown!
Club Brugge vs Atalanta Preview
Club Brugge enter this crucial fixture at the Jan Breydel Stadium in their worst run form for quite some time.
The Belgian side have won only one of the last six in all competitions, the 1-0 victory against Leuven on the weekend.
Of course, the 1-1 draw away at Genk in the previous fixture saw Hayen’s men reach the Croky Cup final, a significant achievement.
But their inability to win will surely be of concern, especially given that Atalanta are capable of demolishing even the best teams in Europe.
A 5-0 win over Sturm Graz in the Champions League was followed by a 2-2 draw at Barcelona in this competition and the Italians were unlucky to miss out on automatic qualification.
And Club Brugge will be worried by the form of Atalanta’s star striker Mateo Retegui, who scored four goals in last weekend’s 5-0 win at Hellas Verona.
He now has 20 goals in 22 Serie A appearances, to go with three strikes in the Champions League.
Adeomola Lookman looks set to miss out again through injury, but that won’t faze an Atalanta side who are unbeaten away from home in Europe this season.
Club Brugge vs Atalanta Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Atalanta’s form and goal-scoring prowess are reasons why they are favourites here at 2.10. Club Brugge are priced at 3.65 to claim a crucial home win, while the draw is 3.45.
Club Brugge vs Atalanta Betting Tips
Mateo Retegui to score anytime @ 2.50
Retegui’s aforementioned form places him among the top strikers in Europe. And with Club Brugge keeping only one clean sheet in the last four, the Italy international can increase his European goal tally.
Both teams to score in the first half @ 4.40
Atalanta are famed for starting games on the front foot and this could pave the way for an entertaining first half. Club Brugge have attacking stars of their own, namely Gustaf Nilsson, who scored the winner against Leuven. So we are backing both sides to strike before the interval.
Gustaf Nilsson to score anytime @ 3.75
With the above in mind, it seems only fair to tip Nilsson to score once again for Club Brugge. The focal point of the attack, the Swedish striker is yet to get off the mark in the Champions League this season – but that could change on Wednesday evening!
When you choose betFIRST, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality sports and markets. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at betFIRST, player wellbeing is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information. When the fun stops, stop.
