Joel Ordóñez, the Ecuadorian defender playing for Club Brugge, has made headlines again after scoring a pivotal goal during the semifinal of the Belgian Cup against Genk. The match, held on February 5, 2025, saw Brugge aiming for victory after winning the first leg 2-1 at home.
Things started off on the wrong foot for Brugge, with Genk's Zakaria El Ouahdi finding the net just 14 minutes after kickoff. Despite this setback, Brujas quickly regrouped. A corner kick from the right led to Brandon Mechele first touching the ball, setting up Ordóñez who scored with his right foot, leveling the match at 1-1. This goal not only reinvigorated Brugge’s hopes but also solidified Ordóñez's status as one of the league's shining stars.
The 24-year-old’s goal marked his second since joining Brugge and his fourth career goal overall, adding to his growing reputation. Before this, he had netted his first goal for Brugge during the domestic league against KV Mechelen.
Thanks to Ordóñez’s contribution, Club Brugge secured their place in the final with a 3-2 aggregate score, successfully advancing past Genk. Describing Ordóñez's impact, Andrés Illingworth noted, "Joel Ordóñez appeared at the second post to push the ball and equalize the match in the Belgian Cup semifinal."
Currently, Brugge finds itself as the runner-up in the Jupiler Pro League with 48 points, just six points behind Genk, who lead the table. With strong performances across various competitions, Brugge stands ready to challenge for both the league and the cup title. Their Champions League campaign is also noteworthy, having performed well enough to reach the playoffs where they are set to face Atalanta after the draw.
The match against Genk was also significant for another reason: it featured a clash between two Ecuadorian players, Joel Ordóñez of Brugge and Anthony Valencia of Royal Antwerp, which added another layer of intrigue to the encounter.
Ordóñez, touted as the Most Valuable Player of the Belgian league, showcases remarkable potential and skill on the pitch. According to Transfermarkt, he has reached a market value of $19.5 million, positioning him as one of the top assets not just for Brugge, but also for potential suitors from stronger leagues.
Looking forward, the success of Brugge, fortified by Ordóñez's performances, bodes well for both the club's aspirations and for his personal career. While he has yet to net goals for the Ecuador national team, his club performances certainly place him on the radar for selection as the national team gears up for future international engagements.
With the upcoming cup final on the horizon, the team will rely heavily on Ordóñez's contributions. Fans are hopeful to see him continue to shine as they push for glory both domestically and on the European stage.