The 2024-25 Belgian Pro League season continued with an intriguing matchup between Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge KSV. Held at the Jan Breydel Stadium, this encounter was more than just a local derby; it was a battle for crucial points as both teams sought to assert their dominance in the league. Club Brugge, with a respectable 3-1-2 record and 10 points, looked to strengthen their position, while Cercle Brugge KSV, struggling with a 1-1-3 record and 4 points, aimed to climb out of the lower half of the table. The stage was set for an intense showdown.
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Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV Head to Head
Historically, Club Brugge has held the upper hand in this fixture, with a solid track record against their city rivals. Cercle Brugge KSV, however, has shown resilience in recent meetings, often pushing their more illustrious neighbors to the limit. This particular encounter had all the ingredients of a classic, with both teams eager to secure bragging rights in Bruges.
Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV Lineups
Check the lineups of Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV today (Sep 1, 2024).
Club Brugge (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
- Defenders: Maxim De Cuyper, Brandon Mechele, Joel Ordóñez, Joaquin Seys
- Midfielders: Raphael Onyedika, Hugo Vetlesen, Hans Vanaken, Christos Tzolis, Andreas Skov Olsen
- Forward: Gustaf Nilsson
Cercle Brugge KSV (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Warleson
- Defenders: Jacinto Dos Názinho, Senna Miangue, Christiaan Ravych, Gary Magnée
- Midfielders: Lawrence Agyekum, Hannes Van Der Bruggen, Alan Minda, Bruno Gonçalves, Thibo Somers
- Forward: Kévin Denkey
Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV First Half
The first half began with Club Brugge asserting their dominance early on, controlling possession and probing Cercle Brugge’s defense. Despite Cercle Brugge’s attempts to disrupt their rhythm, Club Brugge’s persistence paid off in the 39th minute when Brandon Mechele found the back of the net with a powerful header from a corner, giving the hosts a well-deserved lead.
Cercle Brugge struggled to maintain possession and create clear-cut chances, allowing Club Brugge to dictate the pace of the game. Just when it seemed the half would end with a narrow 1-0 lead, Christos Tzolis doubled Club Brugge’s advantage in the third minute of stoppage time. The Greek winger’s clinical finish from inside the box left Warleson with no chance, sending the home fans into a frenzy as the teams headed into the break.
Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV Half-time Score: Club Brugge 2-0 Cercle Brugge KSV
Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV Second Half
The second half began with Cercle Brugge making two substitutions, hoping to turn the tide. However, Club Brugge continued to dominate, and in the 55th minute, Andreas Skov Olsen added a third goal. The Danish winger’s precise strike from the edge of the area capped off a swift counter-attack, effectively sealing the victory for Club Brugge.
Cercle Brugge, despite their best efforts, could not muster a meaningful response. Their attack lacked the sharpness and cohesion needed to break down Club Brugge’s defense. As the game progressed, Club Brugge made several substitutions to maintain their energy levels and control over the match.
Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV Timeline
Check the Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV timeline today (Sep 1)
- 39′ – Goal: Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge) heads in from a corner to open the scoring.
- 45’+3′ – Goal: Christos Tzolis (Club Brugge) doubles the lead with a composed finish inside the box.
- 55′ – Goal: Andreas Skov Olsen (Club Brugge) scores from the edge of the area after a swift counter-attack.
- 58′ – Yellow Card: Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge) is booked for a late challenge.
- 63′ – Substitutions: Cercle Brugge brings on Kazeem Olaigbe and Francis Abu, while Club Brugge substitutes Hugo Siquet.
- 68′ – Substitution: Chemsdine Talbi replaces Joaquin Seys for Club Brugge.
- 81′ – Substitutions: Club Brugge makes a double substitution with Michal Skoras and Romeo Vermant coming on.
- 83′ – Substitution: Erick replaces Thibo Somers for Cercle Brugge.
Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV Full-time
As the final whistle blew, Club Brugge secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Cercle Brugge KSV. The win not only solidified their position in the upper half of the table but also highlighted their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Cercle Brugge KSV, on the other hand, faced an uphill battle to climb out of the relegation zone.
Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV Full-time Score: Club Brugge 3-0 Cercle Brugge KSV
Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV Stats
- Possession: Club Brugge 71.6% – 28.4% Cercle Brugge KSV
- Shots on Goal: Club Brugge 10 – 3 Cercle Brugge KSV
- Shot Attempts: Club Brugge 21 – 11 Cercle Brugge KSV
- Fouls: Club Brugge 8 – 8 Cercle Brugge KSV
- Yellow Cards: Club Brugge 1 – 1 Cercle Brugge KSV
- Corner Kicks: Club Brugge 4 – 5 Cercle Brugge KSV
- Saves: Club Brugge 3 – 6 Cercle Brugge KSV
Club Brugge vs Cercle Brugge KSV Man of the Match
Andreas Skov Olsen was the standout performer, not only scoring a goal but also being a constant threat down the right wing. His pace, creativity, and finishing were crucial in breaking down Cercle Brugge’s defense and securing the victory for Club Brugge.
Club Brugge’s dominant display in this local derby showcased their strength and determination in the 2024-25 Belgian Pro League. With this win, they moved closer to the top of the table, while Cercle Brugge KSV continued to struggle. The gap between the two Bruges-based teams was evident, as Club Brugge’s quality shone through in every department. As the season progresses, Club Brugge will look to build on this performance, while Cercle Brugge KSV will need to regroup and find solutions to their ongoing struggles.
