Noa Lang gives Club narrow win against Kortrijk

Club Brugge scored a narrow 1-0 victory against KV Kortrijk at home. Blauw-Zwart gritted its teeth against the visiting defense for a long time, but Noa Lang crowned himself match winner on the hour with a delicious goal.

Philippe Clement made three changes to the team that won at KV Oostende two weeks ago. Due to the absence of Sobol (corona) and Ricca (injury), Charles De Ketelaere started on the left flank. At center back, Brandon Mechele replaced Odilon Kossounou, while up front Youssouph Badji replaced Emmanuel Dennis. Up front, the Senegalese was flanked by Diatta and Lang.

Club started briskly and after five minutes played some fine action together: Noa Lang cut inside cleverly, but goalkeeper Ilic saved his shot. Soon after, Vormer tried with a cross-shot, but Badji could not extend his effort into goal. Moments later, a volley by De Ketelaere went high over. On the other side, defender Sainsbury pulled forward, but Mignolet parried his blast with his fists.

KV Kortrijk folded back massively, making it difficult for the Bruges players to find openings. Blauw-Zwart played too slowly and only developed sterile pressure. Shortly past the half-hour mark, Lang had something fine in mind, but his omelette went over. Then a shot by Badji was also blocked. The best chance fell shortly before halftime: after a cross from Diatta, Vanaken aimed the ball straight at Ilic.

After the break, the Brugge side immediately went in search of a goal. The first danger came from the right flank: Diatta put the ball low in front of goal, but Badji was a toe short of pushing the ball in. An even better chance followed shortly after: this time Diatta served Mats Rits, but the Antwerp player aimed the ball straight at goalkeeper Ilic.

On the hour, Philippe Clement brought on Michael Krmenčík, who was immediately responsible for the opening goal. After a scrimmage in front of goal, he extended the ball to Noa Lang, who made it 1-0 with a clever half-volley. That goal forced the visitors out of their hedgehog position and gave Club more space. Twenty minutes before time, Diatta served Vormer, but the Bruges captain could not frame his shot.

In the closing stages, Okereke and Kossounou were also substituted, but the score did not change. Kortrijk tried to put pressure, but the Brugge players were not in trouble. Thanks to this victory, Club remains in the lead. Tuesday follows the Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.

Jupiler Pro League - Matchday 13
Spectators: none - Jan Breydelstadion
Referee: Lothar D'hondt
Club Brugge: Simon Mignolet - Clinton Mata, Brandon Mechele, Simon Deli, Charles De Ketelaere - Ruud Vormer, Mats Rits, Hans Vanaken - Krépin Diatta (81' Odilon Kossounou), Youssouph Badji (59' Michael Krmenčík), Noa Lang (76' David Okereke). Bench: Ethan Horvath, Senne Lammens, Éder Balanta, Siebe Schrijvers, Emmanuel Dennis and Maxim De Cuyper. Coach: Philippe Clement.
KV Kortrijk: Marko Ilic - Gilles Dewaele, Lucas Rougeaux, Trent Sainsbury, Eric Ocansey (90' Petar Golubovic) - Jovan Stojanovic (71' Timothy Derijck), Hannes Van der Bruggen, Julien De Sart, Michiel Jonckheere (86' Yani Van den Bossche) - Ilombe Mboyo, Pape Habib Gueye. Coach: Yves Vanderhaeghe.
Yellow cards: Van der Bruggen, Jovanovic, Sainsbury.
Red cards: none
Goal: 60' Lang (1-0).

Text: Steven Floin