Topper between Club and Union ends in 0-0 draw

Club Brugge did not get further than a 0-0 draw in the topper against Union. Blauw-Zwart had several chances, but the Brusselers also proved that they are not at the top for nothing. Because of this draw, the gap with Union remains nine points.

The suspension of Jack Hendry forced Alfred Schreuder to make some changes to his starting line-up. Matej Mitrović came into the team, leaving Brandon Mechele in the center of the three-man defense to take the Scotsman's place. Eduard Sobol also appeared at the kickoff and took charge of the left flank. As a result, Mats Rits had to make peace with a place on the bench. Noa Lang also moved to the center and played alongside Charles De Ketelaere in support of deep striker Dost.

Blue-Black made its intentions clear from the kickoff. It immediately went on the attack and had its first chance after only fifteen seconds: a cross from Mata was deflected wide by Dost. Moments later, attempts by Mitrović and Sobol were also blocked, while at the other end Mignolet saved a shot by Undav. After twenty minutes, a deflected shot by Mitrović landed on the roof of the goal and Vanzeir cracked his cross-shot. That same Vanzeir had a fine chance midway through the first half: the Red Devil suddenly got space in the sixteen yards, but Mignolet picked out with a great save.

Union proved that it is not in the lead for nothing and pinned Club very well. Moreover, the Brusselers were also able to create some danger a few times. Mignolet had to tap in a corner kick from Teuma from under the crossbar. The goalkeeper also saved a hard shot by Teuma and an attempt by Lapoussin. In the closing stages of the first half, the Brugge side did not get beyond a quick conversion via Vanaken and an intercepted cross from Mata towards Dost.

After the break, Éder Balanta came into the team at the expense of Noa Lang, in order to get a better grip on the midfield. The first danger also came from Club, but after a clever attack through the center, De Ketelaere just couldn't reach Dost. Union had a response of its own: Nieuwkoop put himself through on the right, but Lazare aimed his cross back across goal.

On the hour, Blauw-Zwart stepped up the pressure. After a cross from De Ketelaere, a shot by Dost was blocked and immediately afterwards Vanaken headed a corner kick from Vormer just over goal. Charles De Ketelaere also came into his own and picked up some clever moves. First Moris caught his shot and then he just couldn't reach Dost. In between, Kandouss extended a free kick over goal, while Mechele just managed to hold off the arrow-fast Vanzeir.

In the closing stages it remained very exciting. Schreuder brought on Rits and Sowah, but Union also tried to take the three points. A deviated shot by Undav went wide and a shot by Teuma went over the goal. The last chance was for Hans Vanaken, but his deflected free kick went just wide. With this draw, Club does not make much progress. They are still nine points behind leader Union.

Jupiler Pro League - Playday 24
Spectators: none - Jan Breydelstadion
Referee: Lawrence Visser
Club Brugge: Simon Mignolet - Matej Mitrović (83' Kamal Sowah), Brandon Mechele, Stanley Nsoki - Clinton Mata, Ruud Vormer (83' Mats Rits), Hans Vanaken, Eduard Sobol - Charles De Ketelaere, Noa Lang (46' Éder Balanta) - Bas Dost. Bank: Senne Lammens, Federico Ricca, Antonio Nusa, Lynnt Audoor and Cisse Sandra. Coach: Alfred Schreuder.
Union Sint-Gillis: Anthony Moris - Ismaël Kandouss, Christian Burgess, Siebe Van der Heyden - Bart Nieuwkoop, Casper Nielsen, Teddy Teuma, Lazare Amani (70' Cameron Puertas), Loïc Lapoussin - Deniz Undav, Dante Vanzeir. Coach: Felice Mazzu.
Yellow cards: Lazare, Mata, Van der Heyden, Puertas, Lapoussin.
Red cards: none
Goals: none

Text: Steven Floin