The 18th matchday of the Jupiler Pro League is over, but we are already eagerly awaiting the next one. After all, then the match between Club Brugge and AA Gent will be completed. This rivalry has taken on a new dimension in recent days.
The rivalry between the clubs from the West and East Flemish capitals reached a peak around the glory years of Ghent during Hein Vanhaezebrouck’s first term as head coach. But due to the sporting decline of the Buffaloes and the rise of other teams such as Antwerp FC and Union SG, the rivalry has been somewhat on the back burner in recent years.
This has changed again since last week. Club Brugge decided to buy head coach Ivan Leko away from Ghent. It therefore relied on a contractual buyout clause. But the Buffaloes were only informed of this when the transition was almost complete. A questionable method, which led to toxic reactions from the Planet Group Arena.
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Impossible assignment
The two teams will face each other next week. Ghent will not lack motivation to beat Club. Moreover, the players will want to settle a score with Leko, who apparently hardly said goodbye to them. On the Bruges side, they will want to put the Buffalos back in their place after all the sharp comments of the past few days.
The ingredients for a pressing competition are therefore present. But of course sporting reality also plays a role. And in that respect, analyst Marc Degryse does not have good news for Ghent. “I really cannot imagine that AA Gent will win the ‘Battle of Flanders’ next week,” he said. The Latest News. “If Rik De Mil doesn’t find a magic formula this week, I think the Buffaloes have no chance. De Mil faces an impossible task.”
Club immediately by appointment
According to Degryse, the difference in quality between the two teams is too great. In addition, he is convinced that Leko will ensure that his team is on the appointment from the first minute this time. “I cannot imagine that the Club’s dressing room will dare to start the match weakly again on Sunday against AA Gent. In that case, the difference in quality between both clubs is large.”
