In a compelling Jupiler Pro League encounter, Club Brugge emerged victorious over city rivals Cercle Brugge with a 2-1 win at the Jan Breydel Stadion. After a scoreless first half, Nicolò Tresoldi and Carlos Forbs struck early in the second half, steering Club Brugge to a crucial win. Flávio Nazinho's late goal for Cercle Brugge couldn't prevent their fourth defeat in five matches.
Second-Half Spark Ignites Club Brugge
The match came to life after halftime as Club Brugge took control following a rather uneventful opening period. Tresoldi found the back of the net in the 51st minute, assisted by K. Sabbe, and just three minutes later, Forbs extended the lead with a neat finish from a M. Diakhon pass. This double salvo left Cercle Brugge scrambling for a response.
Cercle Brugge's Late Rally Falls Short
Cercle Brugge managed to reduce the deficit when Nazinho scored in the 71st minute, assisted by S. Ngoura, injecting some hope into the home side. Despite creating numerous opportunities, including 18 total shots, they struggled to break down a resilient Club Brugge defense led by B. Mechele, who was instrumental throughout.
A Tactical Edge and Midfield Battle
Club Brugge's superior ball control, evidenced by 64% possession and an efficient passing game, played a pivotal role. Tresoldi's involvement in duels and Forbs' dribbling attempts kept Cercle's defenders on their toes. In contrast, Cercle Brugge's midfield, with S. Ngoura engaging in 14 duels, endeavored to counteract but couldn't turn opportunities into goals.
Closing the Gap in Domestic Form
Club Brugge's win continued their robust form, having previously excelled in both domestic and European fixtures. Conversely, Cercle Brugge's recent struggle persisted, with another setback despite their spirited efforts. As Club Brugge aims to climb higher in the standings, Cercle will need to regroup and find consistency in the coming weeks.
