BRUSSELS — Club Brugge was crowned Belgian champions for the 20th time – their fifth title in seven years – following a 2-2 draw away at Mechelen.
Brugge capitalised on a slip-up by their closest rivals and reigning champions, Union Saint-Gilloise who drew 0-0 at Ghent, to maintain a four-point lead with one matchday remaining in the playoffs.
The title ensures the Flemish club will compete in the Champions League group stage for the third consecutive season, AFP reported.
Brugge reached the European round of 16 in 2025; This season they advanced to the first knockout round where they lost to future semifinalists Atletico Madrid.
Bruges, however, was not plain sailing. They sacked coach Nicky Hayen on December 8 and replaced him with Croatian Ivan Leko, poached from Ghent.
Brugge boasted the best attack in Belgium in both the regular season (59 goals) and the playoffs (27), thanks to the effectiveness of the league’s top two scorers, Greek forward Christos Tzolis and German striker Nicolo Tresoldi who both hit 16 goals.
