Blauw-Zwart progresses in the cup following 0-2 victory at Patro Eisden

Club started their cup adventure in the 1/16th finals with a visit to Patro Eisden Maasmechelen where it remained goalless after ninety minutes. In extra time Noa Lang made the difference with a brace.

Compared to the league match against KAA Gent, there were some changes in the line-up for the cup tie against Patro Eisden. In defence just the one change as Boyata was replaced by Odoi. Higher up the pitch there were more new names as Nusa, Lang and Larin formed the attacking trio. Captain Hans Vanaken started the game on the bench.

The most notable name for the home side stood in the dugout: former Club goalkeeper Stijn Stijnen.

As could be expected, Club monopolized the ball in the opening stages of the match, but the hosts were well organised and even created the first opportunity after ten minutes play. Sam got a touch on a free-kick, but Mignolet kept it out. Club responded via Nielsen who fired it over the crossbar.

Halfway the first half Lang's free-kick just evaded Larin and immediately afterwards Buchanan's effort was gobbled up by the goalkeeper.

Club's lethargic play resulted in a first half with barely any chances, but ten minutes before the whistle Buchanan darted past his opponent and crossed it towards the far post where Nielsen just couldn't get on the end of it. A few minutes later Buchanen dropped the ball inside the box towards Nielsen. After a scrimmage around the penalty area, Larin fired at goal, but his shot was blocked. Lastly, it was again Buchanan who slipped the ball into the feet of Larin, but the Canadian was crowded out. No goals at the break.

No changes during the break and just like the first half, it were the hosts who created the first threat. After a quick counterattacking move Bounou sent Ferber through but he scuffed his finish far wide. On the other side of the pitch Larin latched onto Lang's through ball but Belin had rushed out and collected just in time.

Just before the hour-mark Larin created enough space for himself to have a shot at goal, but it just sailed wide. Patro Eisden kept being dangerous on the break. This time Bounou aimed his shot between the sticks, but Mignolet did well to palm it away.

Club waited patiently to find some space against Patro's defensive approach. Despite the ball possession Club had to be wary not to get caught out as the home side came close to scoring a few times. Bamoua cut inside from his wing before seeing his shot parried away by Mignolet. In stoppage time Club's No. 1 was called upon again - this time he thwarted Valcke who tried to bag a late winner from close range.

In the first 15-minute half of extra-time Club were less patient and showed more offensive desire. That payed off when Vanaken played a smart ball into the path of Lang who stabbed it home. Finally the deadlock was broken. In the second half the Dutchman made sure of the qualification with a second goal. Club progresses to the next round!

Croky Cup – 1/16th final
Attendance: 5.500 – Patrostadion
Referee: Quentin Pirard
Patro Eisden Maasmechelen: Jordi Belin – Henk Dijkhuizen, Wouter Corstjens, Jordan Renson, Kevin Kis (113’ Arne Cuypers) – Mehdi Bounou (84’ Sam Valcke), Yassin Gueroui (84’ Niels Verburgh), Tom Pietermaat, Leslie Bamona – Roman Ferber (91’ Livio Milts), Elisha Sam Bruce.
Bench: Justin Verlinden, Senne Vandergeeten, Jerome Kroonen, Raoul Kenne, Nathaniel Amoah, Dylano Kokkinis, Nick Van Diest, Baud Terwingen, Niels Verburgh, Sam Valcke, Arne Cuypers, Livio Milts.
Coach: Stijn Stijnen.
Club Brugge: Simon Mignolet – Denis Odoi, Brandon Mechele, Bjorn Meijer – Antonio Nusa (84’ Cisse Sandra), Raphael Onyedika, Casper Nielsen, Kamal Sowah (66’ Hans Vanaken), Tajon Buchanan – Noa Lang, Cyle Larin.
Bench: Nick Shinton, Senne Lammens, Eduard Sobol, Dedryck Boyata, Jorne Spileers, Noah Mbamba, Hans Vanaken, Lynnt Audoor, Cisse Sandra.
Coach: Carl Hoefkens.

Yellow cards: Onyedika, Bounou, Vanaken, Gueroui, Sam Bruce, Dijkhuizen
Red cards: none
Goals: 102’ Lang (0-1), 118’ Lang (0-2)