this Atletico turned into a genetic anomaly this season, a living system that mutates yet remains distinct from its rivals in pursuit of a vanished identity. Simeone moves the pieces with a sharper sense of purpose, shifting roles here and there. Aware of the undercurrents from figures like Joao Félix, the squad may not always align with every fan’s wish. Facing opposition, the coach places trust in veterans such as Oblak and Griezmann for all intents and purposes. Atletico Madrid needs every minute of play to sustain its drive.
Yet none of the efforts could tilt the balance against Mignolet, the Belgian goalkeeper who earned man of the match for a display of uncompromising honesty. He stood firm, a pillar of reliability, as Atletico pressed and pressed without breaking. In the round of 16, the opportunity remained within reach, even as the team acknowledged a golden chance slipping away at moments.
The Rojiblancos found encouragement early, guided by a Metropolitan who aimed to shed toxicity. Simeone scanned the crowd, absorbed the pulse, and launched a game charged with updates. While Correa connected with Griezmann in a brief exchange, Morata was shifted to the substitute line, while questions lingered about Witsel and Kondogbia’s place in the starting XI. A deliberate choice toward Lemar, despite fitness concerns, showed the Argentine’s readiness to gamble. The coach laid out his plans in pre-match work, and some doubted the gamble at first. Yet there was a repeated, intimate rhythm to Atletico, growing stronger as the season unfolded.
failed rhythm
At first glance, the rojiblanco camp appeared looser than the compact unit seen in recent campaigns. As Saul grew into a conduit for progress, he and Koke opened space, breaking away from the stifling conservatism that has sometimes plagued their play. The mistakes did not overwhelm them; Bruges kept probing the Spaniards. A flurry of shots from Chutgla and, above all, through Skov Olsen, did not yield a clean opening. Atletico stopped feeling fear and began to set records in a day that captured the shifting tempo of a tense October where teams balanced mid-season tests with long-term aims.
In a moment of freedom, Mignolet, the Belgium side’s trusted keeper, relied on precise reactions to maintain the balance. Before the quarter hour elapsed, the hosts applied pressure. Lemar created space, Griezmann unleashed a powerful strike from the front, challenging a goalkeeper who had yet to concede a Champions League goal. Soon after, Correa carved out a chance for a big finish before Koke joined the action. Blood spilled, yet the wound did not open—resilience held.
Bruges asserted themselves again, showing space against an opponent who managed to score while offside. They pressed forward with urgency, using Olsen and Buchanan as fast outlets to puncture the defense. In one of these attacks, a borderline decision turned yellow from a VAR review, keeping the match level at 0-0. Atletico found its release, but insecurity lingered as withdrawals disrupted rhythm. Reinildo looked uncomfortable in his kit, and the atmosphere stayed electric. The Kolkoneros appeared superior in approach and intent, yet could not tilt the outcome in their favor as the match wore on.
Penalty to Atlético Madrid… Yellow for Buchanan after VAR review. #UCL #LaCasaDelFootball pic.twitter.com/cV97bTzIkM
– Football on Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFootball) 12 October 2022
Belgian awakening
The second half carried the same threat. Atlético showed a willingness to hammer away at a target whose luck had been tested by a stubborn wind. Mignolet acted as a pivotal instrument, undermining morale and enduring a test of endurance on a night when goals remained elusive. Griezmann’s drive and Correa’s second-choice moments continued to test the Belgian keeper, who stood firm again and again.
Bruges stepped forward once more, their ball control dazzling opponents who watched a group atop the standings. Buchanan and Jutgla presented tools that signaled breakthrough potential for a new-era revelation. The ball directed its attention toward Atletico, yet time slipped away without change. A triple substitution by Simeone—Rodrigo de Paul, Morata, and Carrasco entering—coincided with Bruges tightening their shape as Hoefkens’ team clung to every chance.
The Rojiblancos failed to unlock the key. Simeone pulled Joao Félix aside with two substitutions, shifted Griezmann to one flank, and brought Cunha into the fray. The French forward’s role shifted again before a robust Witsel offered more attacking options than usual. It was not calculated risk but a deliberate move to contest the wings. Yet the Belgian shield remained solid. United, Atletico pressed higher, but a quick dismissal from Sowah all but sealed the mood of a game where chances were scarce. It was a case of all or nothing.
Near the final whistle, Mignolet faced a relentless onslaught. A Morata attempt forced a sharp save, and the defense held firm in a moment when the outcome still stood in question. Cunha, pressed hard, could not break through as the clock ran down. An intense encounter left both sides with reasons to reflect on what had been deployed and what remained to be learned for the next meeting.
PLATE: ATLÉTICO 0 – Bruges 0
ATHLETIC: Oblak, Molina, Savic, Giménez, Reinildo; Saul, Koke, Kondogbia, Lemar, Correa, and Griezmann. Coach: Diego Pablo Simeone. Changes: Rodrigo de Paul for Koke (60′), Morata for Lemar (60′), Carrasco for Correa (60′), Cunha for Saúl (73′).
WITCHES: Mignolet, Odoi, Mechele, Sylla, Buchanan, Vanaken, Onyedika, Nielsen, Skov Olsen, Sowah and Jutglà. Ram: Carl Hoefkens. Changes: Olsen to Meijer (46′). Eder Balanta for Jutglá (73′). Kill for Buchanan (84′).
AIM: no goal
JUDGE: Danny Makkelie is from the Netherlands. He hired Buchanan, Savic, Vanaken, and Mignolet. He fired Sowah.
STADIUM: Metropolitan Civitas.