Efficient AA Gent is the first cup finalist after a signed victory at ten-man Club | Croky Cup

“Efficiency will be very important tonight”, Hein Vanhaezebrouck already knew before kick-off. The first leg had taught him that about a month ago – Ghent missed a cartload of opportunities at home and dropped to Bruges with a 0-1 deficit. Well, they would turn out to be prophetic words. Already in the second minute Odjidja took a falling ball in one go, Mignolet was seen – especially by Nsoki’s unfortunate deviation.

A dream start for the visitors, but not a man overboard for Club either. Blauw-Zwart did not give up and took the match resolutely in their hands. The home team played good football at times and pushed Ghent back into its own half, but it was so difficult to convert that dominance into opportunities. When Roef decided to lend a hand with a sloppy pass, Vanaken was too surprised to do anything with it.

Gent puffed, but stayed upright and struck mercilessly just past the half hour. Castro-Montes cleverly placed the ball from the edge of the box, although Mignolet was not completely clear. At the break, the advantage had already tilted all the way to Ghent’s side.

In the ten minutes after the break, Club’s lopsided situation turned into a real nightmare. First, Odoi lost control after Tissoudali got caught by his arm. The winter transfer could not contain itself and dealt a blow. Second yellow and therefore red, Club had to continue with tens of less than half. As if that were not enough, Depoitre headed the 0-3 on the scoreboard two minutes later. After the double uppercut it suddenly became very quiet on Jan Breydel.

Schreuder tried to change the course by introducing Dost, among other things, but the calf had drowned. Gent never ran into trouble again and secured its first cup final since 2019 – then it lost to KV Mechelen. Club can now fully focus on the competition. A first double since 1996 will not be for this year either.