On Sunday, Club Brugge kicks off the 2024-2025 season with a bang. The Blue and Black will face reigning champions R. Union St.-Gilloise at the Dudenpark in the battle for the Volkswagen Supercup. Just like last year, these two teams are the finalists — then Union won 1-2 at Jan Breydel. Can Club Brugge win the Supercup this time and add an 18th trophy to their record?
THE MATCH
The Belgian Supercup traditionally marks the start of the new football season. For Club Brugge, this is their 22nd participation in this prestigious opener, an absolute record. The Blue and Black have already won the Supercup 17 times, also a record, and have played six penalty shootouts in the final, winning every time.
Last year, Club lost at home 1-2 to Union, despite a goal from Tzolis. This year, the roles are reversed: Union hosts Club Brugge at the Joseph Marien Stadium. Only once before have the same clubs faced each other in the Supercup two years in a row: Club and Anderlecht did so in 1994 and 1995.
With a win, Club would claim its 5th Supercup in the last 8 years and would secure a trophy for the 12th consecutive season (6 league titles, 2 Cups, and 4 Supercups since 2013-14).
THE OPPONENT
Union is starting the season as reigning champions for the first time since 1935. Under coach Sébastien Pocognoli, who is beginning his second season, the club aims to confirm their status. Notably, this is also the first time since their promotion in 2021 that Union starts the season with the same head coach.
Seven players who won the Supercup last year have since left. The departure of goalkeeper and captain Anthony Moris (to Al-Khaleej FC) is especially significant. His likely replacement is 22-year-old Vic Chambaere, who could make his debut.
Union strengthened their squad this summer with two new signings. The 24-year-old forward Raul Florucz arrives from Olimpija Ljubljana, where he was involved in 26 goals last season. Midfielder Adem Zorgane (24) also joins Union. The former Charleroi player has already played 140 matches in the Jupiler Pro League and signed a four-year contract.
This is Union’s second Supercup appearance in the club’s history. Last season, they defeated Club Brugge 1-2 at Jan Breydel.
MILESTONES & HIGHLIGHTS
- Brandon Mechele is starting his 14th season with Club Brugge’s first team. Only Lambert (18), Boone, Verlinden (16), Savat, and Van der Elst (15) have played more seasons for the Blue and Black.
- Hans Vanaken is beginning his 11th season at Club Brugge and will play his 6th Supercup final. He has already won 3 of them. Only Van der Elst (8) and Gert Verheyen (7) have done better. With 7 more goals or assists, Vanaken will reach 250 goal involvements for the club.
- Newcomers Ludovit Reis, Nicolò Tresoldi, and Carlos Forbs may make their official debut.
- Coach Nicky Hayen is starting his third season and could win his second trophy as head coach.
THE MAN IN BLACK
Mr. Lawrence Visser will referee his 49th official match involving Club Brugge on Sunday. The 35-year-old referee will be assisted by Mr. Michele and Mr. Gianni Seeldraeyers as assistant referees, Mr. Bram Van Driessche as fourth official, and Mr. Wesli De Cremer as VAR.
Mr. Visser has already refereed three previous matches between Club Brugge and Union: on January 27, 2022, the game at Jan Breydel ended 0-0; on May 8, 2022, Club won 0-2 during Play-off 1; and on December 22, 2024, the match ended 2-2 at the Dudenpark.
Sunday will be the third time Mr. Visser manages a Supercup final.