After four games in these Champions’ Play-offs, our boys were able to present an almost perfect report. Just like opponent Club Brugge, we scored 10 out of 12. After the fantastic performance at home once morest Anderlecht, Vrancken saw no reason to make adjustments to his starting eleven.
First half
After the well-deserved victory once morest Anderlecht, Vrancken went to Jan Breydel with the same 11 fighters. His rival Nicky Hayen, on the other hand, made no fewer than 5 substitutions. This is how Odoi summarized with Onyedika and Vanaken in the three-man midfield. Club Brugge came out the strongest, and only needed 6 minutes to capitalize on that. Skoras escaped from the right and played horizontally to Jutgla. He initially aimed at Cuesta, but in the replay he still scored the opening goal. Skoras remained the most dangerous Bruges resident. First he aimed at Vandevoordt. Moments later he unsuccessfully claimed a penalty. For the first time in the Play-offs we fell behind, and the message was to cancel that out. A cross from Fadera was not grabbed by Jackers, following which Tolu was just not quick enough to punish the mistake. A little later, El Hadj and Fadera also fired on the Bruges goalkeeper, but the ex-Genkie always stood firm. A handful of minutes from half-time, Club had the best chance: Odoi headed a cross over Vandevoordt’s goal from close range. So we went to rest with a 1-0 deficit.
Second half
Homework for Vrancken and co, who wanted to do better in the second period. But Club also had its first chance following coffee. Jutgla, face to face with Vandevoordt, lingered for a while, but on the other side a promising attack by Tolu failed. No equalizer, but a double lead. On the other side, Skoras scored on a put-back from Vanaken. Lurking on the counter, Club briefly gave the initiative to our boys following the 2-0. De Cuyper nodded away a cross from El Ouahdi, Vanaken threw his body for a cross from El Ouahdi. But the people of Bruges were also efficient on the counter-attack. A cleared cross was taken by Thiago, who made it 3-0. Vrancken brought fresh blood in triplicate: Fadera, El Ouahdi and El Hadj were replaced by Nkuba, Sobol and Zeqiri. With half an hour left on the clock, the substitutes showed themselves eager. Also Bangoura, who debuted a little later. With twenty minutes to go, De Cuyper put the score at 4-0 with a well-placed shot. Zeqiri asserted himself a few more times, but indicative of our off day, the tying goal did not come.
We get a second chance on Sunday. Then we look blue and black in the eye once more, this time at home in front of a crowded Cegeka Arena.
“We fell short in all areas today, without detracting from Club’s performance. We expect more from ourselves. We started the Play-offs humbly and with a lot of work ethic, but that second part was missing today. Also in the transition moments “We lacked help both offensively and defensively. It was a good wake-up call today, as long as we learn the lessons for the next game.” – Wouter Vrancken
Line-up
Vandevoordt, Sadick, Cuesta, McKenzie, El Ouahdi (61′ Rain), Galarza, Hrosovsky, Fadera (61′ Sobol), El Khannouss (71′ Bangoura), Ait El Hadj (60′ Zeqiri), Tolu (71′ Tolu) . . . .
Goals
1-0 6′ Jutgla
2-0 51′ Skoras
3-0 57′ Thiago
4-0 67′ De Cuyper