Cercle Brugge move into European qualification spot as Kevin Denkey grabs 27th goal of the season | OneFootball

Cercle Brugge are closing in on European football for next season. The side beat Antwerp 2-1 on Sunday afternoon to move into fourth in the Championships play-offs, a spot that would guarantee them a place to qualify for the Europa Conference League next season.

Not many believed that Cercle had a chance at European football when they qualified for the top play-offs in the Pro League. However, they are now showing they are one of the top six teams in Belgium. Thanks to Union St Gilloise winning the Belgian Cup last week, the side that finishes fourth is now guaranteed to be playing European competition qualifiers. Whoever finishes fifth will have to play Gent in a play-off for the final spot.

Kevin Denkey was once again amongst the goals against Antwerp. The Togolese forward has now scored 27 goals for the club this season and is running away with the golden boot. Félix Lemaréchal had opened the scoring for the side, continuing his fine season on loan from Monaco. Despite Gyrano Kerk cutting the lead to one late on, Cercle held on to leapfrog Genk into fourth.

Cercle have two tough games coming up against title chasing Union and Club Brugge. They currently have a two point lead over Genk for fourth and are seven points ahead of Antwerp. They are guaranteed to finish at least fifth.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson