Club picks up smooth 2-0 home win against KV Mechelen

Club Brugge ended the regular competition with a 2-0 home victory against KV Mechelen. Mats Rits brought Blauw-Zwart to the lead after half an hour, while Andreas Skov Olsen provided the final decision fifteen minutes before time.

Alfred Schreuder made three changes to the team that won at Beerschot last week. In midfield, Denis Odoi took Vormer's place, on the left flank Tajon Buchanan was given preference over Sobol and up front Sargis Adamyan was allowed to start in place of De Ketelaere. The Armenian started the game with a lot of drive and immediately had two good chances in the first ten minutes: after a Skov Olsen deflection he curled the ball just wide and after a good through pass from Lang his marker was saved by goalkeeper Coucke.

Club was clearly in control and continued to search for the opening goal. A shot by Lang was blocked, but Adamyan in particular came closer and closer to a goal: his blast towards the far corner was saved by Coucke, a deflection sailed wide and his shot from an acute angle was also not framed. After twenty minutes, Buchanan also went for his chance, but his blast was also parried by Coucke. Immediately after that, a deviated shot also went just wide.

The Mechelen goalkeeper seemed to be in a shooting gallery, but held firm. Although the Bruges players were getting closer and closer to a goal. Shortly before the half-hour mark, Buchanan painted the leather onto Adamyan's head, but his header stranded on the crossbar. Moments later, Vanaken served Mats Rits, who put in the well-earned 1-0. Shortly before halftime Bram Van Driessche pointed to the penalty spot after a foul by Swers on Skov Olsen. After reviewing the footage, however, the ref came back on his decision.

The second half continued to be one-way traffic, although Blue-Black pushed less than before the break. It remained in control, though, and quietly went in search of a second goal. Early on, Lang picked up on a clever move, but the Dutchman found Coucke in his path. Moments later, a Buchanan deflection went wide, while Skov Olsen aimed his free kick high over goal.

On the hour, Club had another quick attack, but Rits could not capitalize on Skov Olsen's deflection. Goalkeeper Coucke saved again. Moments later, Lang served the substitute De Ketelaere, but his attempt was blocked. The deserved 2-0 finally fell fifteen minutes before time. Swers worked the ball away unhappily into the feet of Andreas Skov Olsen. The Dane took the ball on the slipper in one go and made the final decision.

Ten minutes before time, De Ketelaere went through alone and wonderfully kicked in the 3-0. However, the goal was disallowed due to offside. Buchanan also pulled off a fine move, but Coucke saved his spot ball. Deep into injury time, KV Mechelen threatened for the first time, but Shved's attempt went over goal. Thanks to this victory, Club Brugge ends the regular competition with 72 points. It therefore starts the Champions' Playoffs with 36 points.

Jupiler Pro League - Playday 34
Spectators: 28,000 - Jan Breydelstadion
Referee: Bram Van Driessche
Club Brugge: Simon Mignolet - Clinton Mata, Brandon Mechele, Stanley Nsoki - Andreas Skov Olsen, Mats Rits, Denis Odoi (38' Éder Balanta), Hans Vanaken, Tajon Buchanan - Sargis Adamyan (67' Charles De Ketelaere), Noa Lang. Bank: Senne Lammens, Eduard Sobol, Jack Hendry, Ruud Vormer, Bas Dost, Antonio Nusa and Cisse Sandra. Coach: Alfred Schreuder.
KV Mechelen: Gaëtan Coucke - Sandy Walsh, Vinicius, Jordi Vanlerberghe, Iebe Swers - Samuel Oum Gouet (66' Gustav Engvall), Rob Schoofs, Jannes Van Hecke (83' Bas Van den Eynden) - Geoffry Hairemans, Hugo Cuypers (83' Thody Elie Youan), Nikola Storm (71' Marian Shved). Coach: Wouter Vrancken.
Yellow cards: Odoi, Van Hecke, Nsoki.
Red cards: none
Goals: 32' Rits (1-0), 76' Skov Olsen (2-0).

Text: Steven Floin