Belgium: Carlos Forbs scores for Brugge on opening weekend as Anderlecht boss Vítor Bruno makes winning start [video] | OneFootball

Vítor Bruno is enjoying a strong start in Belgium [Getty Images]

The Belgian Jupiler Pro League has kicked off, producing a positive start for Portuguese duo Carlos Forbs and Vítor Bruno at Club Brugge and Anderlecht respectively.

Current champions Club Brugge made a winning beginning to their defence, beating Kortrijk 3-0 at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Friday. Among the scorers was 22-year-old Portugal international Carlos Forbs, who got the second on 68 minutes, with Brugge assuming 2nd position after a big victory on Matchday 1.

The Sintra-born forward had a solid debut season in Belgium last term, netting 10 goals from 48 matches in all competitions. After unsuccessful moves to Ajax and Wolverhampton Wanderers following his departure from Manchester City’s academy ranks, the highlight for Forbs last term was his two goals and one assist in a 3-3 draw against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Last-gasp winner gives Bruno winning league debut

Elsewhere, former Porto manager Vítor Bruno is enjoying a promising start with Belgium’s most successful club Anderlecht. Having secured a priceless 1-0 win in Greece against PAOK in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier on Thursday, Bruno earned his first league victory on Sunday thanks to a late winner.

Anderlecht hosted RAAL La Louviere in Brussels, with the first half ending goalless but the second period producing plenty of action. Anderlecht fell behind in the 54th minute when Mustapha Isah put the visitors ahead, threatening to spoil Bruno’s debut in the Jupiler Pro League.

However, Paars-wit proceeded to launch a comeback, which began with a red card issued to RAAL’s midfielder Joel Ito for two bookable offences. Kana Knga drew the hosts level on 68 minutes, but Bruno had to wait until stoppage time for the winner when Adriano Bertaccini, who he had introduced as substitute, fired home from close-range to secure a 2-1 win.

"These types of games are never easy,” Bruno said in his post-match press conference. “We controlled the first half, but we were missing something in the last area of the pitch. The second half, of course they went down to ten men, but the rules and the yellow cards are there to be given – it's not our problem, we just have to adapt.

“Against ten men sometimes it’s not easy to find the spaces and the gaps. But we did it well. We tried all the ways. I think we had about 32 shots, which says a lot about how the game went. I think in the end we deserved to win, it would have been unfair if we didn’t win. They believed all the time and even those who came from the bench did amazing, which is what I want.”

Bruno was asked if he expected to be in the hearts of the Anderlecht fans after just four matches. “No, no. Each moment is different. I know that one day, hopefully a long time from now..... But I feel the connection between the supporters and the team. It’s not going to work every time. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid lose games. Milan with Ruben Amorim, an amazing coach, lost 3-0 a few days ago. This is how life goes.

"In the end 20% is what happens to us and the other 80% is how you look at it and how you deal with it. Once the spirit is there and you play as we did second half, it comes to you.”

The most pressing concern for Anderlecht in the immediate term is European progress. Bruno’s side saw off Swedish outfit Hammarby 4-2 on aggregate to begin his reign in the Europa Legue qualifiers, after which a 1-0 victory at PAOK gives the Belgians a strong change of further progress, with the return leg due to take place on Thursday.