The Jupiler Pro League finale: Will Union Saint-Gilloise or Club Brugge be crowned champions?

It all started at the end of July. And it all ends this Sunday. After 40 thrilling, dramatic and sometimes stunning matchdays, the Pro League is about to decide its winner. A relentless head-to-head between Union Saint-Gilloise and Club Brugge is coming to a close.

Many believed Genk would be the ones to challenge the Blauw en Zwart. Topping the regular season standings, the Limburg side seemed poised to spring a surprise and claim the title six years after their last triumph. But Thorsten Fink’s men squandered their chance with a disastrous 1-point run from six matches—finally broken last weekend—which sealed their fate.

This opened the door for the Brussels side, who delivered a spectacular playoff campaign. Simply put, Sébastien Pocognoli’s squad showed a voracious hunger, winning 8 of their 9 matches. All signs point to a title celebration and a parade through the streets of the capital. Unless the team from the Venice of the North pulls off a last-minute upset? Your prediction counts—make your pick now on GoldenVegas Sport.

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: May 25 at 6:30 PM.

Anthony Moris determined to break the curse

Who would have believed the Yellows would end up as title favourites after trailing the leaders by 16 points just before Matchday 30? If you know someone who witnessed Union Saint-Gilloise's last title win, consider yourself lucky—because the club hasn’t lifted the Belgian championship since 1935! And yet, since their return to the top division four years ago, they’ve had multiple chances to claim a historic 12th title.

Unfortunately, as newly promoted in the 2021/2022 season, the team then coached by Felice Mazzù collapsed during Playoffs 1 against Brugge. But that heartbreak was nothing compared to what came the following year. Teddy Teuma and his teammates only needed to win at home against a Club Brugge side that had nothing left to play for. Even Brugge fans were hoping Union would win—to avoid seeing their arch-rivals from Antwerp crowned champions.

After doing the hard part and scoring first, Union’s collapse in added time left fans stunned. "We’ve thrown away an entire season today. We lived through it last year and now again. Everything was in place for a title celebration—it’s tough," said a tearful Loïc Lapoussin after the match.

From near relegation to title hopes?

Last season, it was Anthony Moris himself who accelerated Union’s downfall with a string of errors during the final 10 games, despite starting the run-in as league leaders. But this time around, fate seems to have flipped. The goalkeeper has become a pillar of strength for his team. “Let’s not forget we were just two points away from relegation in October. We’ve been through hell, and now we’re here. As captain, I’m more proud of that than being first,” he said with a smile.

Now, all that’s left is to finish the job at home—against Gent, the worst-performing team in the history of the Champions’ Playoffs with just 3 points out of 27, and whose coach just suspended six players this week. Will Union finally do it, or will the Buffalos extend the curse once more?

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: May 25 at 6:30 PM.

Brugge still pretending to believe

For Nicky Hayen’s men, the prospect of facing Antwerp—who have nothing left to play for—seemed like a good omen. Unfortunately, their fate is no longer in their own hands. Still, Hans Vanaken continues to act as if hope remains.

“Winning the title like this would be crazy, but we’ve seen even more unbelievable things happen in these playoffs,” insists the Golden Boot winner. His coach, however, is more pragmatic: “We have a 1% chance of becoming champions.”

With an impressive Champions League campaign—despite their painful Round of 16 elimination against Aston Villa—Bart Verhaeghe’s club can already consider this season a success, especially after winning the Belgian Cup against Anderlecht. “I’d still like to win the double,” said Maxim De Cuyper. But realistically, it’s hard to imagine how the right-back could make that happen.

“Honestly, I have to say Brugge has the best team and the strongest squad,” analyzes Hein Vanhaezebrouck. “They have the best attacking options, and they know how to defend—as they showed in the Champions League and the Cup Final, where Anderlecht was nowhere to be found. But Brugge no longer controls its destiny and must now hope for a slip-up from Union.”

For starters, they’ll need to win at Jan Breydel Stadium.

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: May 25 at 6:30 PM.

Bet responsibly: place a combo bet (min. 2 selections) and enjoy a 40% BetXtra on the final matchday of the Belgian competition.