The Daily Star Lebanon Breaking News, Lebanon News, Middle East News & World News
Club Brugge have quietly established themselves as one of Europe’s most consistent dark horses in recent seasons. A Champions League round-of-16 team last year before bowing out to Aston Villa, and semi-finalists in the Europa Conference League two years ago, the Belgian side is now seen as a genuine contender in continental competitions.
Their dominance was on full display in the first leg in Scotland, where they silenced Ibrox Stadium with three goals inside the opening 20 minutes, effectively stunning Rangers before the home crowd had settled. Although Danilo Pereira’s strike offered a lifeline, reducing the deficit to 1–3, the Glasgow club faces a mountain to climb in the second leg.
Brugge Riding a Wave of Momentum
Second-place finishers in Belgium last season, Brugge entered the playoff tie in formidable form. Having already strung together five consecutive victories across all competitions, they were spared a league fixture over the weekend, leaving them fresh and focused for the return leg at home.
Key creative forces like Hans Vanaken, who tallied 10 goals and 14 assists in the league last year, will be central again. Christos Tzolis, fresh from a brilliant performance that included two assists in the first leg, looks set to continue as one of their most dangerous outlets. Young talents like Jorne Spileers and Thibo Vermant, who both scored in Glasgow, highlight the club’s successful blend of experienced leaders and emerging stars.
This summer also saw Brugge active in the transfer market. They generated major income by selling Ardon Jashari to AC Milan (€36m), Maxime de Cuyper to Brighton (€20m), and Chémsdine Talbi to Sunderland (€20m). Reinforcements arrived with Mamadou Diakhon from France, Aleksandar Stankovic from Inter, and Carlos Forbs from Ajax, among others. This calculated balance of selling and buying shows Brugge’s ambition to compete financially and sportingly at the highest level.
Rangers Struggling With Form and Injuries
Rangers, meanwhile, arrive in Belgium under pressure. Domestically, they are still searching for their first league win of the season, having drawn both of their opening fixtures. Over the weekend, they faced St. Mirren in a match crucial to building momentum ahead of this daunting away leg.
Injuries have hit the squad hard. Cyriel Dessers, who netted 18 league goals last season, and defender Dujon Sterling are sidelined, further limiting attacking options. Important players such as Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence have moved on, while Czech forward Václav Černý returned to Wolfsburg after his loan ended.
New recruits—including Max Aarons (on loan from Bournemouth), Thelo Aasgaard, and Oliver Antman—have provided some depth, but Martin Russell’s side remains short on firepower. Teen midfielder Bailey Rice is also unavailable after picking up an injury in the League Cup.
One bright spot is Abdallah Sima, who has been linked with a move to Lille but still featured off the bench in the first leg. His pace and directness could be critical if Rangers hope to unsettle the Brugge defense.
Tactical Dynamics and What to Expect
Rangers’ task is straightforward but extremely difficult: they must score at least twice without conceding to overturn the aggregate scoreline. That seems unlikely against a Brugge side that has kept opponents under constant pressure and has been ruthless in front of goal.
The statistics also paint a telling picture. Rangers have scored and conceded in 14 of their last 17 Champions League away games, often leaving themselves exposed defensively. Meanwhile, Brugge’s last seven home matches at this level have all followed the same pattern: high-tempo games with goals at both ends.
This suggests fans could be in for another entertaining contest—one where Rangers will be forced to attack, leaving gaps that Brugge’s dynamic frontline will eagerly exploit.
Prediction
Given Brugge’s current form, squad depth, and home advantage, the Belgians are well placed to secure another win. Rangers may find the net, but their defensive vulnerabilities and injury woes will likely cost them dearly.
Prediction: Club Brugge 3:1 Rangers
