August 23, Reymana Stadium, Krakow: Cercle Brugge delivered an emphatic performance in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League 2024 play-off clash against Wisła Kraków, securing a dominant 6-1 victory at Reymana Stadium. The Belgian side showcased their attacking prowess, making a strong case for advancing to the next round. Wisła Kraków faces a daunting task in the second leg to overturn a significant deficit.
Also Read:
Wisła Kraków vs Cercle Brugge First Half: Cercle Brugge’s Early Dominance
From the opening whistle, Cercle Brugge exhibited their attacking intent. The visitors made a decisive impact early in the match:
- 8′: Alan Minda capitalized on a well-timed pass from Thibo Somers, driving a powerful shot past Wisła Kraków’s goalkeeper, Broda, to open the scoring. This early goal set the tone for the rest of the match.
- 11′: Thibo Somers further increased Cercle Brugge’s lead. He scored with a precise finish, assisted by Kevin Denkey, highlighting Cercle Brugge’s fluid attacking play.
- 37′: Christiaan Ravych added to Wisła Kraków’s woes by heading home a corner kick, further extending Cercle Brugge’s lead to 3-0. The goal underscored Cercle Brugge’s dominance in the aerial battles and set pieces.
- 43′: Ángel Rodado of Wisła Kraków received a yellow card for a foul, a sign of the frustration mounting in the home team as they struggled to contain their opponents.
- 44′: Bartosz Jaroch was also cautioned with a yellow card for Wisła Kraków, reflecting the team’s increasing disciplinary issues.
Despite Wisła Kraków’s efforts to mount a comeback, the first half ended with a commanding 3-0 lead for Cercle Brugge.
Wisła Kraków vs Cercle Brugge Second Half: Cercle Brugge’s Continued Onslaught
Cercle Brugge continued their offensive assault after the break:
- 47′: Kevin Denkey added the fourth goal for Cercle Brugge, demonstrating his clinical finishing skills and putting his team firmly in control.
- 55′: Abdoul Kader Ouattara scored Cercle Brugge’s fifth goal, benefiting from a well-placed assist by Alan Minda. This goal highlighted the efficiency of Cercle Brugge’s counter-attacks and their ability to exploit gaps in Wisła Kraków’s defense.
- 82′: Kazeem Olaigbe further compounded Wisła Kraków’s difficulties with a spectacular direct free-kick, making it 6-0. This goal showcased Olaigbe’s skill and precision from set-pieces.
- 84′: Wisła Kraków managed a consolation goal when Ángel Rodado scored with an assist from Ángel Baena. Although it provided a brief moment of hope for the home side, it was far from enough to alter the course of the game.
Wisła Kraków vs Cercle Brugge Key Player Performances
- Ángel Rodado (Wisła Kraków): Despite his team’s heavy defeat, Rodado was one of Wisła Kraków’s standout performers, scoring their only goal and demonstrating his resilience throughout the match.
- Alan Minda (Cercle Brugge): Minda was instrumental for Cercle Brugge, scoring the opening goal and assisting on another. His dynamic play was a key factor in his team’s offensive success.
- Kazeem Olaigbe (Cercle Brugge): Olaigbe’s direct free-kick was a highlight, and his overall performance, including another goal, made him one of the match’s most influential players.
- Kevin Denkey (Cercle Brugge): Denkey’s goal and his constant pressure on Wisła Kraków’s defense exemplified his critical role in the attack.
Wisła Kraków vs Cercle Brugge Line-ups
Wisła Kraków
Coach: Kazimierz Moskal
- GK: Broda
- DEF: Mikulec, Uryga, Carbo, Biedrzycki
- MID: Ángel Rodado, Frederico Duarte, T. Kiss, Dziedzic
- FWD: Sukiennicki, Starzyński, Jaroch
Cercle Brugge
Coach: Miron Muslic
- GK: Warleson
- DEF: Agyekum, Erick Nunes, Magnée, Miangue
- MID: Bruno Gonçalves, Flávio Nazinho, Minda
- FWD: Denkey, Somers, Ouattara, Ravych
Wisła Kraków vs Cercle Brugge Key Stats
- Total Attempts: Wisła Kraków 11 – Cercle Brugge 18
- Attempts on Target: Wisła Kraków 4 – Cercle Brugge 13
- Corners: Wisła Kraków 7 – Cercle Brugge 6
- Yellow Cards: Wisła Kraków 2 – Cercle Brugge 2
- Red Cards: Wisła Kraków 0 – Cercle Brugge 0
- Goals Conceded: Wisła Kraków 6 – Cercle Brugge 1
Wisła Kraków vs Cercle Brugge Disciplinary Actions
- Wisła Kraków: Ángel Rodado (43′), Bartosz Jaroch (44′)
- Cercle Brugge: Kevin Denkey (40′), Lawrence Agyekum (74′)
Cercle Brugge’s emphatic 6-1 win over Wisła Kraków puts them in a commanding position ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Conference League 2024 play-offs. With a significant lead, Cercle Brugge will be looking to maintain their form and secure their place in the next round. Wisła Kraków will need a remarkable turnaround to overcome the deficit and progress further in the competition.
