Club Brugge Back On Track After Derby Win

Club Brugge claimed a commanding 3-0 win over local rivals Cercle Brugge in the city derby, extending their winning streak to three matches.

Cercle Brugge, unchanged from their recent victory at Dender, began the match with their usual aggressive pressing, giving Blauw-Zwart little time to settle. The first chance of the game fell to Cercle, but Bruninho’s effort went wide of the target. Club Brugge responded quickly, with Tzolis finding the net, but the goal was ruled out for a handball by Skov Olsen.

Despite Cercle’s intense pressure, Club Brugge created the better chances. Warleson, Cercle’s goalkeeper, was called into action multiple times, denying Skov Olsen and clearing a dangerous cross just before Tzolis could pounce. Vanaken also came close, only for the assistant referee to flag Tzolis offside in the build-up.

Five minutes before the interval, Club Brugge’s persistence paid off. A De Cuyper corner was headed back across goal by Nilsson, and Mechele was on hand to nod in the opener. The goal sparked a flurry of chances for the home side. With a first-time effort from another De Cuyper cross, Nilsson narrowly missed, and Skov Olsen saw his shot cleared off the line by Ravysch. However, deep into stoppage time, Tzolis doubled the lead, tapping in from close range after being set up by a pinpoint cross from Skov Olsen.

Cercle had a brief opportunity to get back into the match immediately after the break, but Mignolet produced a fine reflex save to deny substitute Felipe Augusto. Club Brugge quickly regained control, and ten minutes into the second half, they made it 3-0. Skov Olsen, after being teed up by Vetlesen, fired into the bottom corner to put the result beyond doubt.

The remainder of the match saw Club Brugge comfortably manage their lead, with Nicky Hayen introducing several substitutes, including Siquet, Jutglà, Talbi, Skóraś, and Vermant. Blauw-Zwart continued to create chances, but Warleson stood firm, saving efforts from Jutglà and Vetlesen. Talbi also sent a shot over the bar as Club Brugge cruised to victory, moving further up the standings in the process.

The result was a breath of fresh air to manager Nicky Hayen, who admitted there was still work to do as his side eye Anderlecht and Dender above them.

“This is the football we want to play with Club 90 minutes,” he said. “With more efficiency we could have scored more, but this was an afternoon to give you goosebumps, a derby in the sun with these fans.”

 “One swallow does not make a spring,” added the coach, who remained cautious. “But this is the path we want to build on. With confidence, much is possible, but we must continue to show courage without being afraid of losing.”