Club Brugge did an excellent job in the battle for the national title. Thanks to a goal by Denis Odoi, Blauw-Zwart won 0-1 at Anderlecht, which means they are now three points ahead of Union and Anderlecht. Club needs only one point against Cercle next week to become champions!
Nicky Hayen made two changes to the team that played a draw against Union on Monday. Igor Thiago was injured and Kyriani Sabbe also left the starting line-up. Casper Nielsen and Hugo Vetlesen came in their place. Denis Odoi consequently moved to right back, while Vetlesen moved to the right flank as an attacking midfielder. On the left, Skóraś played in support of deep striker Jutglà.
Blue-Black played a first chance within thirty seconds, but Augustinsson just prevented Jutglà from kicking at goal. Club continued to be the most dominant team and created a few chances: a free kick by Vanaken went a metre over the goal, an effort by De Cuyper went wide and a volley by Jutglà whizzed past an opponent.
The Bruges players' good start was rewarded after half an hour: after a corner kick by De Cuyper, Denis Odoi deviated the ball into the goal. Anderlecht tried to react, but Mignolet was also on edge. Indeed, the goalkeeper saved Dolberg's attempt. Club was not impressed and came close to the 0-2 moments later. Vanaken served Jutglà, but he found Schmeichel in his way. At the other end, Mechele twice managed to block a shot, while a header by Gattoni went over the bar.
After the break, Anderlecht tried to go in search of the equalizer, but failed to put Club out of contention. The home team got no further than a cracked shot by Rits that went well wide. Bruges leaned back and could lurk on the counter. That way they came very close to scoring the 0-2. After a cross from Nielsen, Vetlesen hit the top of the crossbar. Moments later, a volley by Onyedika went over goal and a shot by substitute Skov Olsen was blocked.
Anderlecht could hardly play anything together. An Augustinsson header straight at Mignolet was the home side's only chance. Club did not get into trouble again, although coach Nicky Hayen was given two yellow cards for protest ten minutes before time. Anderlecht went forward with all their might in the final minutes, which gave Club two good chances for the 0-2. After Schmeichel lost the ball, Balanta kicked the ball onto the roof of the goal, while Jutglà also missed in front of the goal. It remained 0-1 and that was enough for Club Brugge to start the final day in pole position. Blauw-Zwart now counts three points ahead of Union and Anderlecht and therefore needs only one point against Cercle next week to become champions.
Jupiler Pro League - Champions' Play-offs: matchday 9
Spectators: 21,000 - Lotto Park
Referee: Erik Lambrechts
RSC Anderlecht: Kasper Schmeichel - Killian Sardella, Zeno Debast, Federico Gattoni, Ludwig Augustinsson (84' Moussa N'Diaye) - Mario Stroeykens, Mats Rits, Yari Verschaeren (72' Théo Leoni) - Anders Dreyer, Kasper Dolberg (72' Luis Vazquez), Francis Amuzu (72' Nilson Angulo). Coach: Brian Riemer.
Club Brugge: Simon Mignolet - Denis Odoi, Joel Ordóñez, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper - Casper Nielsen (76' Éder Balanta), Raphael Onyedika (90' Kyriani Sabbe) - Hugo Vetlesen (69' Andreas Skov Olsen), Hans Vanaken, Michał Skóraś (90' Antonio Nusa) - Ferran Jutglà. Bench: Joe Bursik, Nordin Jackers, Joaquin Seys, Jorne Spileers, Bi Abdoul Kader Yameogo, Philip Zinckernagel, Shion Homma and Kyriani Sabbe. Coach: Nicky Hayen.
Yellow cards: Vetlesen, Odoi, De Cuyper, Debast.
Red cards: Hayen.
Goals: 29' Odoi (0-1).
