Club Brugge thrashes Lens 3-0 in Champions League

Coach Ivan Leko had cautioned before the match against French vice-champions Lens about what he called a treacherous moment. After last week's European victory over Inter Milan, Club Brugge felt increased confidence, which according to Leko carried inherent risk. Leko respected Lens's intensity and viewed the confrontation as a potential trap.

Club Brugge lined up without Félix Lemaréchal in their starting eleven on matchday three of the League Phase. Although the Belgian champions underperformed in the first half, Hans Vanaken scored in added time at the end of the opening period. After a header from Nicolo Tresoldi, Vanaken tapped in the rebound for 1-0. For the club captain, this was already his thirteenth Champions League goal.

With Vanaken's goal to show for their efforts, Club Brugge ultimately secured a comfortable victory. The 3-0 scoreline demonstrates that Club Brugge can collect points even when they do not deliver a dominant performance. According to observers, this shows how experienced Champions League teams operate: not necessarily playing impressively, but winning nonetheless.

After three matchdays, Club Brugge sits in eleventh place in the League Phase. With two wins and one draw, the Belgian side is gradually reaching a point where it can earn considerably more prize money than last season. According to observers, the chance that Club will already match the total amount from the previous campaign is realistic, with five matches still remaining.

RC Lens coach Yannick Cahuzac said before the match that he was taking Club Brugge very seriously. He acknowledged the high level of the Belgian opponents and their strong offensive potential.

Club Brugge reaches the next phase of the Champions League for the third consecutive season, provided they maintain their current form. The Belgian champions' next match takes them to PSV on November 4.