But 31 years after Antwerp which reached the final of the defunct Cup Winners' Cup, here is a Belgian club again in the last four of a European competition, with the ambition for the people of Bruges to do better than this formidable team led by Franky Van der Elst, Daniel Amokachi and Lorenzo Staelens who had their door slammed in the C2 final by Werder Bremen. Which seems more than possible against Fiorentina, tenth in Serie A, who took out Plzen and who will be the last obstacle on the road to Athens where the final will be played on May 29.
But before dreaming of a return to Greece, the time has come to celebrate this first trip to Hellenic soil which confirmed the incredible metamorphosis of Bruges. With in the role of the hero, obviously, Nicky Hayen. Who, at the time, looks more like King Midas with his ability to transform everything into gold since his enthronement.
In five games and less than three weeks, the former reserve coach has transformed his team, which has left for an ugly season of transition without relief and which can aspire to experience the year of one, or even two, great joys in the Cup of Europe and in the championship given its current dynamics.
Conference League: the Hayen method still proves itself
Even without the injured Mignolet and Skov Olsen, without the suspended Thiago, De Cuyper and Mechele, Bruges displayed a fairly astonishing control of events.
With a first period where the opportunities accumulated from Vetlesen (12th) to Vanaken (40th) via Jutglà (18th and 41st) who still scored twice after two counterattacks (33rd and 45th).
It was necessary at least that to cool down the boiling Toumba stadium which barely shivered over this attempt by Desposov (51st) or this raid by the Russian stopped by Balanta before the referee logically signaled him offside (60th). Without ever being able to ignite, only to end up seeing his team lose for the first time at home in two years. Which highlights all the merit of a team where Jackers reassured, Ordonez shone, Onyedika raked, Skoras electrified, Nusa struck and Vanaken excelled.
To write a page in the history of Belgian football. With the desire to start writing one or two other chapters very quickly.
Bruges knows its opponent in the Conference League semi-final!
TOP&FLOP
Ferran Jugtlà 8/10
A decisive passer in the first leg, this time he took on the role of scorer which he had not yet assumed this season on the European scene. In his register, all speed and mischief, he perfectly compensated for the suspension of Igor Thiago, proving his usefulness in a central position while he was mainly used this season on one side. A model of generosity.
Soualiho Meïté 3/10
Never in the rhythm, the former Zulte Waregem midfielder suffered a lot in the middle against Hans Vanaken. Unable to impose both his physique but also his technical accuracy, the darling of the local public was very quickly replaced in the second half.
Technical sheet
PAOK: Kotarskki; Jonny, Kedzioa, Koulierakis, Baba; Schwab, Meïte (56th Ozdoev); Despodov (71st Konstantelias), Murg (46th Zivkovic), Taison; Brandon (46th Samatta).
Club Brugge: Jackers; Sabbe, Ordonez, Balanta, Meijer; Vetlesen (83rd Zinckernagel), Onyedika; Skoras (87th Talbi), Vanaken, Nusa (76th Odoi); Jugtlà.
Referee: Mr. Massa (Ita).
Warning : Balanta.
The goals : 33rd Jugtlà (0-1), 45th Jugtlà (0-2).
