Club Brugge’s return to the Champions League group stage began with a bitter lesson, as they fell 3-0 at home to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. The Belgian champions dominated much of the match but were left to rue missed chances and a late collapse that saw Dortmund take full advantage in the final stages. The scoreline, Brugge felt, did not reflect the balance of the game, with the German club only breaking through in the final 15 minutes at the Jan Breydelstadion.
For the majority of the match, Brugge held their own against a side known for its firepower and depth. They stifled Dortmund’s attack, created clear chances of their own, and appeared to be on course for at least a point. However, the introduction of Dortmund’s substitute Jamie Gittens turned the tide. Gittens netted twice in quick succession, and a late penalty converted by Serhou Guirassy sealed a scoreline that Brugge’s players and coaching staff agreed was harsh.
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, a key figure in Brugge’s defensive efforts, reflected on the missed opportunities that could have changed the course of the game. “We played good football and created chances, and also gave little away for an hour,” Mignolet told reporters. “But you have to seize your moments in such matches. If we had taken the lead, we would have had even more chances on the counter. But that did not happen.”
Indeed, Brugge had the upper hand for much of the contest, particularly in the first half, where they pressed Dortmund and created openings that went begging. The team’s disciplined defensive approach, combined with sharp play on the counterattack, kept Dortmund on the back foot. But as Mignolet noted, failing to capitalize in such high-stakes matches can be unforgiving.
“Dortmund also has a very extensive squad, and it was a gruelling match,” Mignolet continued. “When they can bring on fresh guys; top talents, then you have a hard time.” The strength in depth of Dortmund was a significant factor, with substitutes making a decisive impact as Brugge’s players began to tire late in the game.
We deserved more. Thanks for your support, fans. 🔵⚫️ #CLUBVB #UCL pic.twitter.com/PA2xfLqFX9
— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) September 18, 2024
Hans Vanaken, Brugge’s captain, echoed Mignolet’s sentiments. “For 75 minutes we played very well and even created the most chances. It’s a shame we couldn’t score,” Vanaken said, lamenting the fine margins that ultimately separated the two teams. Brugge’s early dominance gave the home fans hope, but the failure to find the back of the net left the door open for Dortmund’s late surge.
Coach Nicky Hayen, while disappointed with the final result, found some encouragement in his team’s overall performance. “It tastes very sour as far as the final result is concerned, at least,” Hayen remarked after the match. “But I do have a positive feeling about the first 75 minutes. We made it difficult for Dortmund, and I am happy with the way we showed ourselves.”
Hayen acknowledged that his side could not afford to waste opportunities against teams of Dortmund’s calibre. “If we do that again next time, we can win points everywhere,” he added. “But we have to learn to take our chances when they present themselves, and we didn’t do that tonight.”
The coach’s optimism about Brugge’s future in the Champions League was underpinned by their performance for most of the match. For 75 minutes, Brugge showed they could compete with one of Europe’s top clubs, but their failure to finish the job highlighted the brutal nature of football at this level.
Hayen had set a realistic goal for his side going into the tournament: a top-24 finish in the new-look Champions League, which would secure a place in the knockout round play-offs in February. The expanded competition format requires clubs to navigate a series of group matches with different opponents, making every point crucial for advancement. Brugge will need to take the lessons from this match as they prepare for their next challenge in the competition.
Their next Champions League outing is an away fixture against Austria’s Sturm Graz on October 2. It will be another pivotal encounter for Brugge, who will aim to bounce back from this defeat and keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive. Sturm Graz, while perhaps not as formidable as Dortmund, will still present a significant challenge, especially on home soil.
