European Cup tension: can Belgian clubs reach the next round?

Last week’s playoff first legs were so exciting that we are already looking forward to Tuesday and Thursday.

The two Belgian football clubs still competing in Europe have done more than simply protect their chances of qualification. In Champions League, Club Brugge is preparing for a crucial return leg against Atlético Madrid after a spectacular first match (3-3) that leaves everything wide open.

Meanwhile, KRC Genk has put itself in a very strong position to qualify for Europa League after an impressive away win against Dynamo Zagreb (1-3).

In today’s blog article, GoldenVegas Sport analyses the chances of our Jupiler Pro League representatives, as well as the expectations of every Bookmaker in Belgium, which can always be challenged by what actually happens on the pitch. For players who follow Sports bet markets or prefer to bet online, these European fixtures offer strong value opportunities.

Champions League: Club Brugge dreams of a miracle in Madrid

Can they deliver another surprise in Spain against Atlético Madrid? To be honest, when Diego Simeone’s side went two goals ahead at half-time at the Jan Breydel Stadium, the tie seemed almost decided.

That feeling grew even stronger when Ordoñez scored an own goal just after the Belgians had equalised but the Belgian league runners-up never give up.

Thanks to Tzolis, the Blauw-Zwart head into the second leg level on aggregate. Can they produce in Spain the kind of performance that even Union failed to achieve during the League Phase? Most Bookmaker in Belgium operators remain sceptical, with odds set at 7.35.

*Odds may change. Event deadline: February 24 at 18:45.

Europa League: Genk aiming for the Round of 16

In the Europa League, the pressure will be slightly lower for Genk. The Limburg side has already done the hardest part by securing a valuable away victory in Croatia.

However, confidence is not guaranteed. Last Sunday, they suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat against Standard in a crucial match in the race for Playoffs 1 in Jupiler Pro League.

Caution is therefore essential to avoid undoing their European advantage. The objective now is to deliver a solid performance at home in the Cegeka Arena against Dinamo Zagreb and confirm qualification. Progress would also help strengthen Belgium’s UEFA coefficient.

*Odds may change. Event deadline: February 26 at 21:00.

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