Both teams are regulars in the UCL, and anything other than qualification this summer would undoubtedly be deemed a failure.
The home side were keen to stamp their authority, and it was they who created the first opportunity of the game with 11 minutes on the clock when the ball was pulled back to Maurits Kjaergaard inside the area, but the Danish midfielder saw his first-time effort well saved by Simon Mignolet.
Brugge suffered a shock defeat to Mechelen in their second game of the Belgian Pro League season on Friday night, but the Blue-Black looked to have put the setback behind them as they began to play with some authority. Romeo Vermant came close to giving the visitors the lead four minutes before the break, but his snapshot from inside the area - which looked to be sneaking inside the right post - was well saved by Alexander Schlager.
Those in attendance would have hoped to see more in the way of attacking play in the second half; however, both sides clearly had the utmost respect for one another and were wary of giving away clear-cut opportunities in a game of the utmost importance.
Ludovit Reis came close to giving the Belgians the lead on the hour mark when he unleashed a left-footed effort that was heading for the bottom left-hand corner, but Schlager got across to push the ball away.
10 minutes later, Christos Tzolis went on a brilliant solo run that ended with his shot being denied by the inspired Schlager.
Hayen’s men had seen more of the play throughout the contest, and they eventually took the lead with 15 minutes remaining when Bjorn Meijer’s inviting cross into the area from the left touchline was met by Vermant, who showed more desire to get on the end of it and stuck a leg out to direct the ball goalwards and past Schlager to send the away fans into delirium.
Die Roten Bullen had late opportunities through Petar Ratkov and Edmund Baidoo, but they were unable to take them and ultimately had to reflect on a frustrating evening in front of their supporters.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Bjorn Meijer (Club Brugge)
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