In a thrilling showdown on Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Copa de Bélgica witnessed a fierce contest as Anderlecht faced off against Club Brugge at the iconic Estadio Rey Balduino in Brussels. Despite a strong start, Anderlecht, featuring Mexican midfielder César Huerta, fell short, losing 2-1 and missing out on their first title since 2008.
The match began with Anderlecht eager to break their eight-year championship drought. However, it was Brugge who struck first, with 21-year-old forward Romeo Vermant finding the back of the net in the 40th minute. A well-placed cross from Hugo Siquet allowed Vermant to outmaneuver the Anderlecht defense, pushing the ball past goalkeeper Colin Coosemans to give Brugge a 1-0 lead.
As the second half unfolded, Brugge maintained their momentum. Vermant, who had already established himself as a key player, doubled his tally in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a cross from Christos Tzolis. His deft touch extended Brugge's lead to 2-0, putting Anderlecht in a challenging position.
Anderlecht, however, refused to back down. They finally broke through in stoppage time when Luis Vázquez scored, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The goal came after a determined effort from Samuel Edozie, who intercepted the ball and set up Vázquez for a straightforward finish. Unfortunately for Anderlecht, it was too little, too late, and they were unable to equalize.
César Huerta played a significant role in the match, starting for Anderlecht and remaining on the pitch for 67 minutes. Although he did not score or assist, his presence was crucial as the team attempted to mount a comeback. Despite the disappointing outcome, Huerta's participation marked a significant moment in his European career as he sought his first title with the club.
The defeat means that Anderlecht remains the second-highest winner of the Copa de Bélgica with nine titles, but they have not claimed the trophy since 2008. The loss was particularly painful for the team, which had high hopes of ending their long cup drought.
For Brugge, the victory secured their 12th Copa de Bélgica title, reaffirming their status as the most successful club in the competition's history. This win also marked their first cup title since 2015, reviving memories of their last triumph, which was also against Anderlecht.
The match was marred by unfortunate incidents outside the stadium, where a fan was hospitalized after a firecracker explosion. This incident overshadowed what was otherwise a festive atmosphere, as both teams' supporters gathered to celebrate the final.
Looking ahead, Anderlecht will shift their focus back to league play, with their next match scheduled against Union Saint-Gilloise on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The team will aim to regroup and find their form as they continue their campaign in the domestic league.
As for Club Brugge, their sights are now set on achieving a double, as they are also in contention for the Belgian Pro League title. With their cup victory under their belt, the team is poised to make a strong push for further success.
This Copa de Bélgica final was a testament to the fierce competition in Belgian football, showcasing the talent and determination of both clubs. As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, fans will undoubtedly look forward to the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
