Champions League Qualification: Club Brugge Secures Away Win Against RB salzburg
Club Brugge achieved a crucial victory in their quest for Champions League qualification, defeating RB Salzburg 1-0 in the first leg of the second qualifying round on Wednesday evening at the red Bull Arena in Wals-Siezenheim, Austria. While the result is favorable heading into the return leg, the performance revealed areas for improvement.
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The primary objective for Club Brugge was to secure a positive result away from home, prioritizing outcome over aesthetic play during this early stage of the competition.Romeo Vermant‘s goal proved decisive, giving the Belgian side a narrow advantage.
Despite the win, Club Brugge faced challenges against Salzburg’s aggressive pressing and struggled to create consistent scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper simon Mignolet was called upon to make a key save to prevent an equalizer.
Several players did not perform to their usual standards. Captain Hans Vanaken was uncharacteristically sloppy in possession, while Hugo Vetlesen continues to struggle to establish himself as a consistent threat on the right flank. Ludovit Reis, a recent summer acquisition, also had a quiet game.
Reis’s Integration Still in Progress
Reis, who joined Club Brugge from AZ Alkmaar for a reported โฌ6.5 million, has secured a starting position in midfield but has yet to fully demonstrate his capabilities. He played 77 minutes in Salzburg before being substituted by Cisse Sandra.
Analysts have noted Reis’s difficulties adapting to his new surroundings. Het Nieuwsblad commented that Reis “could not distinguish itself this season,” while VTM 2 analyst Marc Degryse acknowledged the need for patience but expressed concern that the pace of the game might potentially be proving too fast for the player. Degryse emphasized the need for improved passing accuracy and decision-making.
The return leg will be played at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges on August 8th, 2023. A win or a draw will secure Club Brugge’s place in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.