In a thrilling encounter at the King Baudouin Stadium, Club Brugge emerged victorious over their fierce rivals Anderlecht, clinching the Croky Cup for the twelfth time in their history on May 4, 2025. The match, marked by intense rivalry and high stakes, saw Brugge dominate for large portions, with young striker Romeo Vermant stealing the spotlight by scoring both of Brugge's goals.
Brugge's triumph was not just another trophy; it was a statement. The team aimed to crown a successful season, hoping to achieve their first double since 1996. Captain Hans Vanaken expressed the team's ambitions, stating, "Every year the goal is to win the double. I’ve lost the final twice; let’s hope the third time is the good time." After an emphatic 4-1 victory over Gent just days prior, Brugge came into the match with a wave of confidence.
On the other side, Anderlecht was desperate for a win, seeking their first trophy since 2008. Captain Jan Vertonghen, who had to start on the bench due to fitness issues, remained optimistic about his team's chances. He acknowledged Brugge's strong form but emphasized that Anderlecht was approaching the final with confidence. Coach Bensik Hasi echoed this sentiment, noting, "We have found some stability and confidence in the team in recent weeks. Some guys are also performing at a higher level. Those things give us a good feeling."
The match kicked off with high tension, and the atmosphere was electric. However, it didn't take long for the game to be interrupted by off-field incidents, including fireworks and crowd disturbances, reflecting the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. Despite these distractions, the players focused on the task at hand.
Club Brugge started strong, with Jutgla missing an early chance in the first minute. They continued to press, and Tzolis had a shot saved by Anderlecht's goalkeeper Coosemans in the 15th minute. Anderlecht, while initially on the back foot, began to find their rhythm but struggled to create clear chances.
As the first half progressed, it became evident that Brugge was the more dangerous side. Jashari attempted a long-range effort around the half-hour mark, but Coosemans was equal to the task, denying another opportunity. Finally, just before halftime, Brugge broke the deadlock. A well-placed cross from Siquet found Vermant, who coolly slotted the ball into the net, giving Brugge a deserved 1-0 lead.
The second half began with a delay due to smoke from fireworks set off by fans, adding to the already charged atmosphere. Anderlecht, needing to respond, pressed for an equalizer. They claimed a penalty for a handball by Vanaken, but the referee and VAR deemed it unworthy of a spot-kick, much to the frustration of the Anderlecht players and supporters.
Brugge capitalized on the momentum, and in the 62nd minute, Vermant struck again. Another brilliant assist from Tzolis set him up perfectly, and he found the back of the net to make it 2-0. The Brugge fans erupted, sensing victory.
In a bid to turn the tide, Hasi made a triple substitution, bringing on Stroeykens, Angulo, and Vertonghen. Anderlecht began to create a few chances but remained largely ineffective in front of goal. Jackers, Brugge's goalkeeper, made a crucial save from a Dendoncker effort, keeping the clean sheet intact.
As the match entered the final minutes, Anderlecht showed signs of life, with Edozie creating a dangerous moment that almost led to a goal. However, it was not until the dying moments of the game that they found the net. In added time, Vazquez scored for Anderlecht, making it 2-1 and igniting a brief flicker of hope for the purple and white.
Despite the late goal, Club Brugge held on to their lead, securing the victory and the Croky Cup. The win marked a significant achievement for Brugge, who now set their sights on completing the double, while Anderlecht remained trophy-less for another year, continuing their drought since 2017.
As the final whistle blew, Brugge celebrated their hard-fought victory, while Anderlecht was left to ponder what went wrong in a match where they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. The rivalry between these two sides continues to burn brightly, with both teams looking forward to their next encounters.
