European Cup: Club Brugge and Anderlecht aim to seal the deal

The endless qualifying rounds! Club Brugge and Anderlecht chasing European success. Anderlecht began their European journey three weeks ago, while Club Brugge entered the Champions League race just last week.

With success. The Blauw en Zwart did the hard work, winning in Austria against Salzburg last week (0-1). A week after an inexplicable collapse at Häcken in the second qualifying round of the Europa League, the Mauves bounced back.

Relegated to the Conference League, they crushed Sheriff Tiraspol at home (3-0) before returning to domestic action last Sunday. The trip to Chisinau, Moldova, should be a formality.

Here’s everything you need to know about this week’s fixtures for the two Belgian clubs still in contention. For the best bet online site in Belgium: Golden Vegas Sport.

Club Brugge’s perfect week

They had been left disappointed in Mechelen. On the second matchday of the Jupiler Pro League, Nicky Hayen’s men slipped up “Behind the Barracks”.

A first defeat so early could have cast doubt just five days before a crucial European clash. This is the fate of a team that failed to reach the top step of the podium.

Champions Union earned a direct place in the Champions League group stage, while the “Venice of the North” must go through two qualifying rounds. The draw was tough with Red Bull Salzburg, but thanks to Romeo Vermant, the Belgians have done half the job.

And regained confidence. Morale was sky-high after winning the derby against Cercle. After struggling in the first half, Vanaken’s teammates took advantage of Kakou’s red card before the break.

It took them time to find the breakthrough, but a delicate header from Vanaken and a goal from Tzolis gave them the league lead. Will they continue this form by sealing their place in the Champions League playoffs at home against the Austrians?

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: August 12 at 7:30 PM.

Anderlecht and Hasi remain fragile

There’s calm in Bruges, but not in Anderlecht. The Mauves thought they had moved past their disappointing performance in Sweden by beating Tiraspol. Angulo, Dolberg, and Verschaeren put on a show.

And it’s safe to say that the return leg should be nothing more than a formality for the Brussels side. They are therefore expected to face AEK Athens or Limassol in seven days in the playoffs to progress past the Conference League qualifying rounds.

But once again, the Lotto Park residents disappointed in the Jupiler Pro League. After starting the league with two wins — the only team to do so — they stumbled at home against Zulte-Waregem (2-3).

Hasi’s credibility is already under scrutiny. Will he finish the season? It’s too early to tell, but on Thursday, he will likely rotate his squad given the three-goal advantage his team holds.

The Albanian coach is convinced. Despite a slow central defence, he doesn’t want to change his playing style. “Can we play such a high line with such a slow defence? Yes, but then the pressing must be executed perfectly. If not, then we also have to be smarter and commit small fouls… Maybe we need to change our approach. But I want to keep playing with high, forward-pressing football. This way, we create more chances. I don’t mind conceding a goal from time to time, but not three. Speed can’t be learned? We can also ‘think fast’. It’s a matter of experience…”

Will they pay the price again this Thursday?

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: August 14 at 7:00 PM.

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