Belgian media see Club Brugge's luck run out: 'Bitter aftertaste'

Club Brugge’s dream of progressing in Europe suffered a serious setback with a 1-3 defeat at home to Aston Villa, a result that left the Belgian side frustrated and with a bitter aftertaste.

It was a night where Brugge showed plenty of ambition, played with intensity and even created some of the best chances, but in the end, they were undone by their own wastefulness, a moment of bad luck and the cold efficiency of their English opponents.

Radio commentator Tom Boudeweel from Sporza summed up the mood after the final whistle, saying that Club Brugge would leave this match with a sour taste in their mouths. For him, it was not just about the result itself, but about the way the defeat came about in the final moments. Brugge had the game in their hands at times, but their failure to convert clear chances allowed Aston Villa to stay alive and ultimately punish them with a late penalty and an own goal that sealed the visitors’ win.

Boudeweel also pointed out that fortune, which had smiled on Brugge several times throughout this European campaign, was nowhere to be found this time. In previous matches, small moments seemed to go their way, whether it was a lucky bounce, a missed chance from the opposition or a controversial refereeing decision. This time, however, every key moment seemed to go against them. It was a reminder that at this level, luck alone will never be enough to carry a team through.

Head coach Nicky Hayen spoke to HLN immediately after the match and although the disappointment was clear in his voice, there was also a sense of defiance. Hayen emphasized that Brugge created the best chances of the game, something he believes should give them confidence for the second leg. He reminded everyone of their 3-2 victory over Atalanta earlier in the competition, a performance where Brugge showed exactly how clinical they could be when they are at their best. For Hayen, the biggest frustration was the lack of efficiency this time. In the Champions League so far, Brugge had shown remarkable sharpness in front of goal, taking their opportunities with ruthless precision. That edge was missing in this match, and Hayen knows that in knockout football, missed chances often come back to haunt you.

Despite the result, not everyone is writing Brugge off. Journalist Hans Vandeweghe from De Morgen noted that luck took a break from Brugge, but he still sees hope for the second leg in Birmingham. In his view, if Aston Villa start to believe the tie is already won and approach the return match with a sense of complacency, Brugge could easily spring a surprise. Villa’s aggressive high pressing could leave space in behind, and if Brugge stay disciplined and take their chances, the tie could still be flipped on its head.

The Belgian newspapers were fairly lenient in their player ratings, despite the defeat. Het Nieuwsblad gave only one failing grade, handing striker Ferran Jutglà a five after a performance where he struggled to make any impact. Jutglà’s movement was predictable, his finishing was rushed, and when Brugge needed a clinical striker to lead the line, he fell short. In contrast, Swiss midfielder Ardon Jashari stood out as Brugge’s best player, earning an eight for his commanding display in midfield. Jashari’s energy, passing range and composure were some of the few positives Brugge could take from the night. Most of his teammates were rated between six and seven, reflecting a performance that was decent in spells but lacked consistency.

HLN largely agreed, also naming Jashari as the standout performer, but they were more critical of Brugge’s front three. All three forwards received a score of five, as their collective lack of sharpness in front of goal ultimately proved fatal. The paper also dedicated a separate article to Brandon Mechele, the unfortunate defender whose own goal helped Aston Villa secure their victory. Interestingly, HLN pointed out that statistically, Mechele had a very solid game. He won five of his six duels, completed 96 percent of his passes and made three important interceptions and two tackles. But football is not always a game of numbers, and Mechele’s night will be remembered for the wrong reasons.

Beyond the immediate disappointment, this match also served as a reflection of Brugge’s broader struggles this season. In domestic competition, they have often been guilty of the same inefficiency in front of goal, combined with defensive lapses at crucial moments. In Europe, they have managed to mask those flaws with a mix of bravery, tactical discipline and a little bit of luck. But against opponents of Aston Villa’s quality, every weakness is exposed, and every mistake is punished.

For Brugge, the path forward is clear. They must travel to Villa Park and produce the kind of away performance that will be remembered for years. They will need to be clinical, defensively resolute and mentally fearless. The odds are against them, but European football has a long history of comebacks when teams refuse to accept their fate. And as Vandeweghe rightly pointed out, if Aston Villa relax even slightly, if they underestimate Brugge’s desire to fight back, this tie could still have a twist in the tale.

Nicky Hayen knows his team has the talent to turn this around, but talent alone will not be enough. Brugge need to find the belief that has carried them this far, the resilience that saw them overcome Atalanta and the clinical edge that defined their group stage campaign. With those ingredients, they still have a chance to make history. And for Club Brugge, a club with a proud European tradition, that chance is more than enough reason to believe.