In a pulsating Jupiler Pro League encounter at the Jan Breydel Stadion, Club Brugge emerged victorious with a 4-3 win over Zulte Waregem. The match, held on a chilly evening in Brugge, was marked by early drama as Aleksandar Stanković put the home side ahead in the 6th minute, with a stylish setup by Joaquin Seys. The visitors quickly retaliated, with Marley Aké and Anosike Ementa scoring in the 38th and 40th minutes, respectively, turning the first half on its head.
First Half Drama Sets the Stage
The early stages saw Club Brugge's M. Diakhon's goal disallowed for offside following a VAR review in the 18th minute. Zulte Waregem capitalized on this momentum shift, with Aké leveling the match. Minutes later, Ementa's goal, assisted by Lukas Willen, put them in the lead, sending shockwaves through the home crowd. The physical contest was highlighted by yellow cards to J. Kiilerich and C. Forbs as tempers flared.
Stanković's Brilliance and a Late Flurry
The second half saw Club Brugge come out revitalized, with B. Mechele equalizing just after the break. Stanković showcased his talent once more, netting his second following an assist from H. Vanaken. Despite Zulte Waregem's late push, including a goal from J. Opoku in the 80th minute, it was N. Tresoldi's 78th-minute strike that sealed the win, capping off a frenetic match filled with strategic substitutions and intense duels.
Statistics Reveal Brugge's Dominance
Club Brugge commanded possession with 72%, and their attacking intent was clear with 17 total shots, seven on target. Despite Zulte's efficient finishing, the hosts' offensive pressure and passing accuracy of 93% defined the game. Aleksandar Stanković's impressive display, with two goals and a player rating of 8, underscores his crucial role in the victory.
Looking Ahead
Club Brugge will be looking to build on this thrilling win as they seek consistency in their Jupiler Pro League campaign. Despite recent mixed form, this victory could spark a positive run. Meanwhile, Zulte Waregem, who showed resilience and tactical awareness, will aim to regroup and target their upcoming fixtures for valuable points.
