Match Summary
Cercle Brugge defeated Anderlecht 3:2. The match was played in Jupiler Pro League 2025. Goals were scored by E. Diop 10′, M. Cvetkovic 25′, P. Gerkens 28′, E. Kakou 35′, T. Hazard 90′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Anderlecht had 71% possession while Cercle Brugge held 29%. Anderlecht had 16 shots (8 on target) compared to 14 (5 on target) for Cercle Brugge. Expected goals: Anderlecht 1.42 — Cercle Brugge 1.45. Anderlecht made 4 substitutions, Cercle Brugge made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Anderlecht and Cercle Brugge — 5 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: T. Hazard
assist: E. Kakou
assist: G. Magnee
assist: A. Maamar
Match Statistics
Anderlecht had 71% possession against Cercle Brugge's 29%. Anderlecht registered 16 shots (8 on target) while Cercle Brugge managed 14 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 8–7. Fouls committed: 14–11.
Lineups
Anderlecht lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Jeremy Taravel, while Cercle Brugge deployed a 3-4-1-2 under Onur Cinel.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Anderlecht is 6.95, compared to 6.92 for Cercle Brugge. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Anderlecht's highest-rated starter is Thorgan Hazard (7.24), while Cercle Brugge's best-rated player is Hannes Van Der Bruggen (6.98).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Anderlecht have contributed 17 goals and 14 assists this season, led by Thorgan Hazard (12G). Cercle Brugge's starters account for 20 goals and 13 assists, spearheaded by Pieter Gerkens (6G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Anderlecht deploy 4 defenders rated 6.96 on average, against Cercle Brugge's 3-man backline averaging 6.84. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Anderlecht field 5 midfielders averaging 6.76, versus Cercle Brugge's 4 rated 6.94. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Anderlecht start 1 forward(s) averaging 7.24, compared to 3 for Cercle Brugge averaging 6.94. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 77% for Anderlecht and 77% for Cercle Brugge. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Anderlecht's starters have collected 21 yellow cards this season, compared to 29 for Cercle Brugge. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Anderlecht's starting XI is 26.6 (youngest: Nathan De Cat (17), oldest: Colin Coosemans (33)), while Cercle Brugge average 25.2 (youngest: Emmanuel Kakou (20), oldest: Hannes Van Der Bruggen (32)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Anderlecht's starters average 26 league appearances each, versus 27 for Cercle Brugge. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Anderlecht have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Cercle Brugge show 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Anderlecht
Cercle Brugge
Head to Head
Anderlecht and Cercle Brugge have met 1 times — Anderlecht won 1, Cercle Brugge won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Anderlecht leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 1 meetings. A combined 2 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.00 per match (2 for the home side, 0 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 0–2 in 2025.
1
Anderlecht
0
Drawn
0
Cercle Brugge
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 23 Mar 2026