On matchday seven of the Champions’ Play-Offs, Club Brugge host STVV at home. After two consecutive away fixtures, the Blues return to Fortress Jan Breydel for a crucial clash in the title race. Kick-off is scheduled for Saturday evening at 8:45 PM. Everything you need to know about the match can be found here in the Club Facts!
THE MATCH
Following last weekend’s impressive 1-3 victory at Lotto Park, Club Brugge have climbed to the top of the league for the first time in 385 days. The Blues currently hold a one-point advantage over Union SG and could take a major step towards the league title on Saturday against STVV. A victory would also mathematically secure at least second place — and with it, qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
History strongly favours Club. In 48 previous top-flight home matches against the Canaries, the Blues have never suffered defeat (41 wins, 7 draws). Club have also kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight duels at Jan Breydel. Earlier this season, they recorded a 2-0 win in the regular campaign thanks to goals from Brandon Mechele and Nicolò Tresoldi.
Club also emerged victorious in the reverse fixture of these play-offs at Stayen. After conceding a goal early, Hugo Vetlesen and Christos Tzolis turned the match around to secure a 1-2 win. Tzolis continues to deliver remarkable numbers this season: with 14 goals and 16 assists, he could become the first player in Belgian league history to finish as both top scorer and assist leader. He currently shares the top scorer spot with teammate Nicolò Tresoldi.
For coach Ivan Leko, Saturday marks a special milestone. He will take charge of Club Brugge for the 125th time in an official match against his former club. Since his return, Club have scored at least twice in every home game. However, he will be without the suspended Hugo Vetlesen this weekend.
THE OPPONENT
STVV travel to Bruges with confidence and a sense of history. Wouter Vrancken’s side secured European football last weekend after a spectacular 2-1 win over Union SG. Substitute Oumar Diouf and Ryotaro Ito scored the goals that secured all three points.
The Canaries are currently ranked third. After a difficult start in the play-offs (0 points out of 6), they are now unbeaten in four consecutive matches. A victory in Bruges would definitively secure their place in the top three.
STVV’s main attacking threats are Japanese duo Keisuke Goto (11 goals, 7 assists) and Ryotaro Ito (10 goals).
MILESTONES
- Joel Ordóñez could make his 125th official appearance for the Blues.
- Raphael Onyedika is also approaching a league milestone, as he could play his 125th Jupiler Pro League match for Club.
THE MAN IN BLACK
Mr. Jasper Vergoote has been appointed referee for this fixture. He will be assisted by linesmen Mr. Michael Geerolf and Mr. Michele Seeldraeyers, while Mr. Massimiliano Ledda will act as fourth official. In Tubize, the VAR team will consist of Mr. Bram Van Driessche, Ms. Ella De Vries and Mr. Roel Bensch.
The 34-year-old West Flemish referee will officiate his 27th official Club Brugge match. Club’s track record under his supervision at Jan Breydel is impressive: out of thirteen previous home games, Club won eleven and drew two.
Mr. Vergoote has previously officiated one match between Club and STVV, and it was a memorable one: in November 2024, Club recorded a stunning 7-0 victory, including four goals from Christos Tzolis. Earlier in these play-offs, he also refereed Club’s 4-2 home win against RSC Anderlecht.