European Cup: Club Brugge plays a €40 million Champions League match

This is it, the moment of truth. Club Brugge are already playing the most important match of their season this Tuesday against Rangers. After defeating Red Bull Salzburg last week, the Belgian vice-champions are just 180 minutes away from the Champions League league phase.

After 4 matchdays in the Jupiler Pro League, they must already be ready – and that means beating the Scots. The Blauw en Zwart will host the return leg at Jan Breydel, but first travel to Scotland this Tuesday hoping for a strong result, just like two weeks ago in Austria where they won thanks to a goal from Romeo Vermant.

On Thursday, Anderlecht will try to overcome AEK Athens at Lotto Park to reach the final stage of the Conference League, three weeks after their disappointing elimination against Häcken. Here’s what you need to know about both matches. And for the best odds in Belgium, bet responsibly on Golden Vegas Sport.

A €40 million match for Brugge

Beyond the sporting side, Brugge can once again secure a massive financial boost by qualifying. A Champions League participation would bring in at least €40 million to the club known as the "Venice of the North".

This would further strengthen their dominance in Belgium, after already earning €40 million from the transfer of Ardon Jashari to AC Milan. Club officials even turned down €30 million offers from Marseille for Joel Ordonez and a similar bid from Crystal Palace for Christos Tzolis.

Given their ambitions, dropping to the Europa League would be a disappointment, and Champions League qualification will define the success of their season. “I see this match as 50/50, there is no real favourite,” analysed coach Nicky Hayen.

Coincidentally, the two clubs met in a friendly a month ago, sharing a 2-2 draw after a balanced encounter. But do you think, while betting responsibly, that Vanaken’s teammates can win in Scotland with odds set at 3?

“It’s hard to compare. Both teams are still under construction with new players. Their coach Russell Martin has a clear playing style: a lot of possession and dynamism. We also like to keep the ball, so there will be spaces to exploit,” said the coach enthusiastically.

“Did that friendly really help us? Hard to say. What I know is that I heard a lot about the atmosphere here, and it’s impressive,” said left-back Joaquin Seys, scorer of a crucial goal last week against Salzburg. “But in the end, we must focus on our own game. We are confident, in good form, and will give everything. We know they are solid, but no one considers themselves favourites.”

Will the Belgians join Union Saint-Gilloise, already qualified for the Champions League thanks to their Jupiler Pro League title?

*Odds subject to change. Event ends: August 19 at 21:00.

Anderlecht facing the Greek trap

As for the Mauves, even if their play has not been convincing, they are still collecting points. On Sunday, they won away at Dender without impressing, and Thorgan Hazard scored his fourth goal in four matches.

“What really helped me was scoring twice in the opening league match against Westerlo. And the coach is now using me in a more central role, which I prefer. I’m trying to show him I feel more comfortable there,” reacted the player himself.

However, it is unlikely to see Eden’s brother start against the Greeks, as he cannot play every game at his age. “It’s getting harder at 32. You have to pick your matches. The coach and I discuss this often. It’s true that playing three times 90 minutes in a week is tough. But I accept it.”

The Brussels side still have resources. Huerta should start, and up front the Dolberg–Bertaccini duo could be fielded, much to the delight of Anderlecht supporters who have been waiting for this.

Besnik Hasi can also breathe easier. On the other side, Anthony Martial will not play. The French international is set to leave, with AEK Athens no longer counting on him. The Greeks remain a tough opponent, and Anderlecht would do well to take the advantage at home before a tricky return leg.

So, will RSCA get it done, starting as slight favourites?

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: August 21 at 20:00

Take advantage of a BetXtra when betting live on the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League play-offs, as well as a 50% BetXtra boost on your combo bets across these competitions.