Club Brugge is taking a big step towards the title. It defeated Anderlecht in a very mediocre match with the smallest difference (0-1). A goal from Odoi was enough. If Bruges wins the derby against Cercle next week, they will always be champions. The Purple & White must hope that both Bruges and Union drop points and win against Antwerp if they want to win the title.
Union won, so you’ll have to wait until next week for a champion. However, one of the two archrivals was able to do an excellent job. Riemer sent Amuzu into the field, causing Stroeykens to shift to midfield. Hayen surprised and opted for Odoi at right back and four midfielders: Onyedika, Nielsen, Vetlesen and Vanaken, with Vetlesen on the right in possession and helping in the midfield in cases of loss of ball. Skov Olsen and Nusa were kept behind and started on the bench.
Odoi breaks the spell
It took half an hour for the match to start – before that it was mediocre on both sides. Odoi (ex-Anderlecht in the distant past) knocked in a corner, all alone, with his knee. Club Brugge was deservedly on roses. Thiago, who earlier received a beer shower after casually walking through the Anderlecht streets to the stadium, laughed baring his teeth.
Anderlecht had to come. And did so immediately. It was the only real purple-white opportunity in the first half. The Purple & White found no solutions in football. Amuzu cleared the slower Odoi and found Dolberg in the box. Instead of finishing immediately – which seemed appropriate – the ice rabbit stayed cool and opted for the assumption. After he turned away from Ordonez, there was Mignolet with a good parade.
A little later his fellow competitor had to do the same. With a similar reflex, Schmeichel kept Jutgla, who was alone in front of goal thanks to Vanaken’s subtle pass, from doubling the lead.
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Photo: BELGIAN
Small Anderlecht
Halftime with Bruges ahead and Nusa and Skov Olsen were still on the bench. Riemer had to get out of his room. But initially did not intervene. Bruges monopolized the ball under the influence of a strong Vanaken. Anderlecht remained in the block – it was apathetic at times. Bruges liked it this way.
It was actually Hayen who was the first to change. Skov Olsen, who when he was ready saw how his replacement Vetlesen headed onto the crossbar, came in. In minute 70(!) Riemer finally also brought fresh blood. Vazquez, Leoni and Angulo relieved Amuzu, Dolberg and Verschaeren. They had to provide that redeeming equalizer.
The Purple & White did have the ball, but was rarely dangerous. Bruges was just fine. Although it could also be a bit more offensive. Dreyer was invisible, Dolberg started strong but faded away and Verschaeren also found no solutions. Moreover, the substitutions did not provide any relief.
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Photo: BELGIAN
Hayen road
Meanwhile, the nerves on the bench were tense. First Riemer received a yellow card, then Hayen received a red card. After an uncalled foul on Skov Olsen, he verbally attacked Lambrechts. Result: yellow twice.
It didn’t benefit the game at all. In addition, they kept lying around at Bruges and wasting time at every opportunity. We only got five minutes of extra time. Weird. It wasn’t pretty, but they did achieve a crucial and deserved victory. While Anderlecht did everything they could and Schmeichel lost his place on the halfway line, Balanta was given the opportunity to make it 0-2 in extra time. However, he put the ball on the roof of an empty goal. And after a blunder by Stroeykens, Jutgla also missed such an opportunity.
If Bruges wins the derby against Cercle next week, they will always be champions. The Purple & White must hope that both Bruges and Union drop points and win against Antwerp if they want to win the title.
Photo: BELGA Photo: Isosport Photo: BELGA
2024-05-19 18:41:00
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