Atletico Madrid Urged For Collective Effort As Form Wavers Ahead Of Brugge Clash

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Diego Simeone has called for total unity across the Atletico Madrid squad as the team prepare for a crucial Champions League play-off against Club Brugge in Belgium on Wednesday, with the coach stressing that progress will depend on collective discipline after an inconsistent start to 2026.

Atletico Madrid enter the tie days after a heavy 3-0 LaLiga defeat to Rayo Vallecano, which followed a dominant 4-0 home victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. They sit fourth in LaLiga and have managed consecutive wins only once since January.

Asked about specific defensive partnerships before travelling, Simeone refused to highlight individuals and instead underlined the importance of shared responsibility across the group. The coach insisted that Atletico Madrid need every squad member available and engaged if they are to build stability and react positively after domestic setbacks.

Simeone addressed the developing relationship between Marc Pubill and David Hancko in defence but quickly broadened the discussion to the whole squad. "The Pubill and Hancko partnership? You can clearly see what both can contribute," said Simeone. "They connect well because of their characteristics. They need to improve some things, like everyone. They are giving us things that the team is doing very well. The other day, [Jose Maria] Gimenez was good, [Clement] Lenglet didnt have a good afternoon, but we need everyone. The team belongs to everyone, not just 10 players."

History between these clubs in European competition is evenly balanced. Across eight previous meetings in Europe, Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge have each collected three wins, with two draws. In European Cup or Champions League fixtures only, both sides again share two victories and two draws.

Atletico Madrid, however, travel to Belgium with a poor recent record away from home in Champions League knockout stages. They have lost four straight away matches in this phase, against Manchester City in 2021-22, Inter and Borussia Dortmund in 2023-24, and Real Madrid in 2024-25, increasing pressure to respond.

Despite those numbers, Simeone stated that Atletico Madrid remain clear about their target in this season’s Champions League. When asked about ambitions in the competition, Simeone replied: "The objective is to go through and reach the next round, and then go as far as possible." The tie with Club Brugge now offers a direct test of that aim and of the collective spirit Simeone demands.