Club Brugge captain relishing ‘great occasion’ at Celtic Park

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The Celtic Star

·26 novembre 2024

Club Brugge captain relishing ‘great occasion’ at Celtic Park

Club Brugge skipper Hans Vanaken relishing ‘great occasion’ ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League encounter with Celtic…

Hans Vanaken, midfielder of Club Brugge celebrates after scoring during the Jupiler Pro League match between Club Brugge and Sint-Truidense VV on November 23, 2024 in Brugge, Belgium, Photo Jan De Meuleneir

The Belgian champions currently sit second in their domestic league, trailing leaders Genk by six points in a congested table.

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Club Brugge currently have six points

Meanwhile on the continent similarly to Celtic, the prospect of a top 24 place is a realistic target for last season’s Europa Conference League semi-finalists. After four games in Europe’s elite club competition the Belgians sit on an impressive six points. Gaining their victories in Austria versus Sturm Graz, and defeating Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, Nicky Hayen’s side sit in a favourable 22nd position and crucially remain within that threshold of knockout playoff round status.

GOAL1-0 Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken scores and celebrates from the penalty spot during the Champions League match between Club Brugge and Aston Villa at Jan Breydel Stadion, Brugge, Belguim on 6 November 2024. Photo Ian Stephen PSI

Realistically, Club Brugge will be looking at Celtic as a team they can take points off. After their trip to Glasgow, Brugge’s last three matches consist of Sporting, and Juventus in Belgium, followed by an ominous trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City in late January to conclude the group phase games.

Celtic tantalisingly close to that magic number of 10 points

Meanwhile, Celtic are tantalisingly close to that magic number of 10 points. That would all but secure a place in the top 24 of the Champions League. If the Hoops were to win on Wednesday evening the target mesmerisingly becomes top eight – which would mean direct entry to the last 16 of the competition.

Tzolis Christos forward of Club Brugge celebrates after scoring a second goal during the Jupiler Pro League match between Club Brugge and Sint-Truidense VV on November 23, 2024 in Brugge, Belgium, 23/11/2024. Photo Jan De Meuleneir

However, Brendan Rodgers’ opponents travel to Glasgow in fine form. Trouncing St.Truiden 7-0 in the Belgian Pro League on Saturday afternoon, Brugge are unbeaten in their last six in all competitions.

Hans Vanaken, Club Brugge’s club Captain has spent nine years with the Belgian Champions and has become an icon at Brugge during his spell. The 32 year-old midfield playmaker was the goalscorer from the spot in their stunning 1-0 victory over English Premier League side Aston Villa three weeks ago.

Vanaken insists Brugge are confident

Vanaken insists he and his teammates are confident ahead of their Champions League clash with an inform Celtic side.

Talbi Chemsdine midfielder of Club Brugge during the Jupiler Pro League match between Club Brugge and Sint-Truidense VV on November 23, 2024 in Brugge, Belgium, 23/11/2024. Photo Jan De Meuleneir

“We are all looking forward to playing at Celtic. It will be a great occasion, and we are in a very good place ahead of it,” he said. “After we drew our last game at Beerschot, this was the perfect response [7-0 victory]. What was pleasing was that we kept looking for more goals.”

Vanaken added via the Belgian club’s official website: “We are all delighted for Christos Tzolis [scored four goals against St.Truiden]. We know his qualities and how good he is. Everything went right for him. Hopefully, he can do this again in Scotland.”

Conor Spence