Club Brugge turns big match around during Forbs' debut

Club Brugge began their 2024/25 Jupiler Pro League season with a hard-fought and emotionally charged 2-1 victory over rivals Genk, in a match that had all the intensity, quality, and drama expected of an early-season blockbuster.

Coming off the high of winning the Belgian Super Cup just a week earlier defeating Union Saint-Gilloise at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels the expectations were sky-high for Nicky Hayen’s men. Yet, back at the Jan Breydelstadion, they faced a Genk side that showed no intention of playing the part of a mere backdrop to Brugge’s celebratory momentum.

From the outset, Genk signaled their intent. Organized, energetic, and fearless in their pressing, they dictated the tempo in the opening phases of the game. Club Brugge struggled to settle into their rhythm, with Genk exploiting the wide areas and putting pressure on the home defense. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when South Korean forward Oh Hyeon-gyu signed earlier in the summer window showed excellent movement inside the box. After being left unmarked, he calmly slotted the ball past Simon Mignolet to silence the home fans and give Genk a deserved 1-0 lead.

The goal was a wake-up call for Club Brugge, but it did little to change the immediate pattern of the match. Genk continued to probe, and came dangerously close to doubling their lead when Jarne Steuckers, a former MVV Maastricht midfielder, found himself with a clear sight on goal. Only a last-ditch block from Joaquin Seys prevented what looked like a sure 0-2. Brugge were on the ropes and looked disjointed, with their midfield struggling to link up with the attack. Though the visitors' intensity tapered slightly towards halftime, they maintained their slender advantage at the break.

During halftime, Brugge made critical changes. Dutch midfielder Ludovit Reis, who had a subdued performance, was taken off, and summer signing Carlos Forbs was handed his debut. The former Manchester City youth product and ex-Ajax winger entered the pitch with energy and flair, injecting some much-needed urgency into Brugge’s attack. But it wasn’t Forbs who would turn the match around it was the club’s defensive unit that took center stage in the second half.

The equalizer came not long after the restart. Joel Ordóñez, the Ecuadorian center-back, rose highest during a set-piece and thumped a powerful header into the back of the net. It was a moment that electrified the Jan Breydelstadion and marked the beginning of a stunning turnaround. The goal lifted Brugge's spirits, and suddenly, the momentum had shifted entirely. The home side began dominating possession, with wingers stretching the play and midfielders pressing higher up the pitch.

As the minutes ticked by, Genk began to retreat deeper into their own half, content to absorb pressure and perhaps play for the draw. But that strategy would prove costly. In the 80th minute, Brugge struck again. This time it was club stalwart Brandon Mechele, who capitalized on another dead-ball situation. Unmarked inside the box, the center-back made no mistake with his header, sending the ball past Genk’s keeper and sealing the comeback. The stadium erupted, and Brugge’s bench celebrated what felt like more than just a winning goal it was a declaration that this team, fresh off a trophy win, was ready to challenge for the title from the very beginning.

Simon Mignolet, who had looked shaky in the first half and was perhaps at fault for Genk's opener, redeemed himself in the closing stages. With Genk throwing everything forward in a desperate attempt to snatch a point, the veteran goalkeeper made two crucial saves one low to his left to deny a curling shot from El Khannouss, and another brave block in a one-on-one situation that preserved the lead.

The match wasn’t without its late drama. In stoppage time, goal-scorer Ordóñez went from hero to villain, receiving a straight red card for hauling down a Genk player who had broken through on goal. Though the foul was cynical, it arguably saved Brugge from conceding a late equalizer, and the home crowd applauded the defender’s sacrifice.

The final whistle brought relief and celebration. With the 2-1 win, Club Brugge not only claimed all three points but also showcased their depth, resilience, and capacity to respond under pressure. It was a strong signal of intent from a side aiming to reclaim domestic dominance and make a mark in Europe.

Looking ahead, Brugge’s next challenge will come in the form of the Champions League third qualifying round. They are slated to face RB Salzburg barring a miracle from Norwegian side SK Brann in the return leg of their tie. That match will be a major test of Brugge’s continental ambitions. Meanwhile, Genk, despite the defeat, showed enough quality and organization to suggest they’ll be strong contenders this season. They will enter the Europa League in the fourth qualifying round, with their first match set for roughly a month from now.