No training on Thursday afternoon, just a practice match behind closed doors against Valenciennes FC. Blauw-Zwart, which was supplemented mainly with youngsters from Club NXT in the absence of nine internationals, beat the French second division side 1-0.
The Basecamp was exchanged for The NEST in Roeselare on Thursday afternoon. The troops of head coach ad interim Nicky Hayen kicked off an exercise game at 1 p.m. with Valenciennes, currently ranked last in the Ligue 2. Between the lines, youngsters like De Smet, Yameogo and Talbi were surrounded by experienced faces like Vanaken, Nielsen, Boyata and Jutglà.
The first noteworthy event occurred only after fifteen minutes. A free kick by Skoras landed on de Clemente's fists. A few minutes later, the same Skoras initiated a fine action. After a one-two with Vanaken, the Pole tried again with Lenn De Smet, but he ended up laying back a little too short. Skoras then had another good opportunity. He curled the ball with his left into the far corner, but the visiting goalkeeper again picked out with a strong save.
Quiet phase
Just before halftime, it was a prize for Club. Vanaken put himself behind the ball for a free kick just outside the sixteen. Our captain popped the leather through the wall and in via the post. 1-0. At halftime, Vanaken, Nielsen and Jutglà stayed in. Liam De Smet, Bisiwu and Barbera got their chance.
And just at the beginning of the second half, Valenciennes cashed in a free kick in the exact same spot where Vanaken could have put Club ahead. Cuffaut flicked the ball hard onto the crossbar. Club's danger continued to come from Skoras. A long-distance shot was tapped over goal by Diabaté, who had since stepped in.
Afterwards it was mainly Valenciennes that went in search of the equalizer. Bursik pulled off a wonderful parry on a shot from the second line. Five minutes before time, the visitors saw a goal rightly disallowed for offside. Thus, a young Club Brugge was able to end the game victorious anyway and continue working towards the play-offs.
Line-up Club first half: Jackers, Lenn De Smet, Boyata, Yameogo, De Cuyper, Balanta, Nielsen, Vanaken, Skoras, Jutglà and Talbi.
Formation Club second half: Bursik, Lenn De Smet, Yameogo, Boyata (60' Simba), De Cuyper (60' Audoor), Liam De Smet, Balanta (60' Yakeymenko), Talbi, Skoras, Barbera and Bisiwu.
