Club Brugge secure 20th Belgian title despite draw with KV Mechelen | OneFootball

Club Brugge are champions of Belgium for the 20th time. Despite losing to Union St Gilloise a few weeks ago and facing a four point deficit, the side rallied to take advantage of Union dropping points. After a 2-2 draw with KV Mechelen on Thursday evening, the side had to sit and wait to see if Union could beat Gent. It looked like the Brussels side had forced the title race to extend to the final day of the season with a late goal, only for VAR to intervene and deny them. When the full time whistle blew in Gent, the Club Brugge fans and players were able to celebrate both in the stadium and back in Brugge.

Securing a 20th Pro League title also earns Club Brugge another star on their badge and highlights how dominant they have been over the past decade in Belgian football. Only Union have risen to consistently challenge them for the league in recent years, with the usual suspects of Anderlecht, Genk, Gent, Standard Liege and Antwerp unable to consistently compete with Club’s dominance.

This season, despite sacking Nicky Hayen, the side have been up there with Union. Key players have once again been the likes of Hans Vanaken with his 12 goals and seven assists in 56 games and experienced defender Brandon Mechele. Nicolo Tresoldi has proven to be a great signing, but the real star of the team has been Greek winger Christos Tzolis.

The former Norwich winger scored again against Mechelen and grabbed an assist, giving him an incredible 21 goals and 28 assists in 51 games. It will be tough for Club Brugge to keep Tzolis this summer after such an incredible season.

Club Brugge still have some way to go to catch Anderlecht when it comes to the most titles won in Belgian football history. Despite their current drought, the purple side of Brussels still sit way ahead with 34 league titles.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson