Match Summary
Cercle Brugge defeated Heart Of Midlothian 2:0. The match was played in UEFA Europa Conference League 2024. Goals were scored by M. Efekele 40′, Lawrence Shankland 81′, G. Magnée 90′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Cercle Brugge had 40% possession while Heart Of Midlothian held 60%. Cercle Brugge had 12 shots (6 on target) compared to 13 (6 on target) for Heart Of Midlothian. Expected goals: Cercle Brugge 0.59 — Heart Of Midlothian 1.64. Cercle Brugge made 5 substitutions, Heart Of Midlothian made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Kye Rowles 81′).
Match Events
Key match events between Cercle Brugge and Heart Of Midlothian — 3 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
assist: N. De Wilde
Missed Penalty
assist: A. Minda
Match Statistics
Cercle Brugge had 40% possession against Heart Of Midlothian's 60%. Cercle Brugge registered 12 shots (6 on target) while Heart Of Midlothian managed 13 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 4–3. Fouls committed: 19–12.
Lineups
Cercle Brugge lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation under M. Muslić, while Heart Of Midlothian deployed a 4-2-3-1 under N. Critchley.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Cercle Brugge is 6.79, compared to 6.87 for Heart Of Midlothian. 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. Cercle Brugge's highest-rated starter is C. Ravych (6.97), while Heart Of Midlothian's best-rated player is F. Kent (6.98).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Cercle Brugge have contributed 4 goals and 7 assists this season, led by G. Magnée (4G). Heart Of Midlothian's starters account for 14 goals and 14 assists, spearheaded by K. Vargas (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
Cercle Brugge deploy 3 defenders rated 6.72 on average, against Heart Of Midlothian's 4-man backline averaging 6.94. 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
Cercle Brugge field 4 midfielders averaging 6.83, versus Heart Of Midlothian's 5 rated 6.87. 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
Cercle Brugge start 3 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Heart Of Midlothian averaging 6.74. 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 67% for Cercle Brugge and 44% for Heart Of Midlothian. 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
Cercle Brugge's starters have collected 10 yellow cards this season, compared to 27 for Heart Of Midlothian. 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 Cercle Brugge's starting XI is 23.4 (youngest: I. Diakité (22), oldest: G. Magnée (26)), while Heart Of Midlothian average 25.4 (youngest: A. Forrester (20), oldest: F. Kent (30)). 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
Cercle Brugge's starters average 19 league appearances each, versus 36 for Heart Of Midlothian. 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, Cercle Brugge have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. Heart Of Midlothian show 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Cercle Brugge
Heart Of Midlothian
API data: 15 Mar 2026