Atletico Madrid enters tonight's match against their host Club Brugge in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff with clear concerns about their defensive solidity, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight matches in the continental tournament.

The Spanish team conceded 15 goals during this series, reflecting a significant decline in the defensive system that has always been a hallmark under coach Diego Simeone. This figure is considered one of their worst European periods in recent years.

If Atletico concedes new goals against Club Brugge, it will be the longest streak in its Champions League history without a clean sheet, amounting to nine consecutive matches, which is an unprecedented negative record for the club in the competition.

Simeone hopes to restore defensive balance during tonight's match, especially since the encounter is pivotal for the team's path towards the group stage. There is a clear desire to avoid early elimination scenarios and enhance qualification chances before the return leg.