Club Brugge marked the start of the Ivan Leko era in the Jupiler Pro League with an emphatic 1-5 away win at Dender after a brace from Tzolis and Vermant, and a first in the Belgian league for Stanković. This win keeps Club in second place.
It was far from smooth sailing for Club in the opening exchanges. The hosts began with real intensity and were rewarded after 24 minutes when Nsimba fired the league’s bottom side into a surprise lead. Club responded with a handful of chances but struggled to carve out clear openings, while Dender remained dangerous on the break. Hans Vanaken was close to level things up, but he was thwarted by a well-positioned goalkeeper. However, just before the half-time whistle, Tzolis pounced on a loose ball inside the area and hammered it into the far corner to make it 1-1.
That equalizer proved the turning point. Club started the second half with authority and dictated the pace of the game. Early into the second half, Tzolis put Club in the lead with a crisp overhead kick to make it two. Club upped the tempo and created more chances. Substitute Vermant scored two in quick succession and deep into stoppage time Aleksandar Stanković headed in powerfully to seal the deal for Club. His first ever in the Belgian top flight.
Next week Club faced AA Gent at home.
