In a thrilling final at the Estadio Rey Balduino on May 4, 2025, Club Brujas emerged victorious over Anderlecht, clinching the Copa de Bélgica title with a 2-1 win. The match was marked by a standout performance from Brujas’ Romeo Vermant, who scored both goals for his team, while Luis Vázquez provided a glimmer of hope for Anderlecht with a late goal.
The game kicked off at 10:00 AM, local time, with both teams eager to claim the prestigious trophy. From the start, Brujas displayed their intent, dominating possession and creating early chances. Colin Coosemans, the goalkeeper for Anderlecht, was called into action multiple times, making crucial saves to keep his team in the game. He thwarted a powerful shot from Ferran Jutglà just minutes into the match and later denied a close-range effort from Christos Tzolis.
Despite Anderlecht's defensive efforts, it was Brujas who struck first. In the 40th minute, Vermant capitalized on a perfect cross from Hugo Siquet, steering the ball into the net and giving Brujas a 1-0 lead just before halftime. This goal was a significant turning point, as it shifted the momentum firmly in Brujas’ favor.
As the second half began, Anderlecht knew they needed to respond quickly. However, Brujas continued to control the midfield, with their players pressing high and limiting Anderlecht's opportunities. The pressure paid off when Vermant scored his second goal in the 61st minute, volleying home a cross from Tzolis. With a 2-0 advantage, Brujas seemed on course to secure the title.
Anderlecht, under the guidance of coach Besnik Hasi, attempted to regroup and push forward. They finally found a breakthrough in the dying moments of the match when Vázquez scored in the 90th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, it was too little, too late for the Violet and Whites, who were left to ponder another missed opportunity.
César 'Chino' Huerta, who started for Anderlecht, had a challenging match. The Mexican forward was substituted in the 67th minute after a performance that saw him struggle to make a significant impact. Despite being a key player in previous matches, Huerta managed only one shot on goal, which came in the first half. His early contributions were mostly defensive, as he worked hard to contain Brujas’ attacks but failed to create scoring opportunities for his team.
With this victory, Club Brujas ended a decade-long wait for the Copa de Bélgica title, having last won it in 2015. The triumph not only boosts their confidence but also sets them up for a potential double this season, as they continue to compete for the league title against Union Saint-Gilloise. Coach Nicky Hayen expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "We worked hard for this, and the players showed great character throughout the match. This victory is a testament to our determination and skill."
For Anderlecht, the loss extends their trophy drought to eight years, a disappointing result for a club with such a rich history in Belgian football. The team will now focus on finishing the league season strongly and securing a spot in the Europa League for the next campaign. Huerta and his teammates will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next match against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on May 10, 2025.
In conclusion, the Copa de Bélgica final showcased the resilience and talent of Club Brujas, while Anderlecht must reflect on their performance and find ways to improve as they look ahead to the remainder of the season. The stage is set for an exciting finish to the Belgian football season, with both teams eager to achieve their respective goals.
