Mechelen take on the visitors Club Brugge KV in the round 2 match of Belgian Pro League. The match will be played on Friday, August 1st at AFAS-stadion Achter de Kazerne (Mechelen).
Mechelen have an interesting history. In recent years, they've been noted for both their relegation to the second tier and controversial match-fixing accusations — yet also for their 2019 Belgian Cup triumph. That same year, they returned to the Jupiler Pro League, but their performances since then have been fairly unremarkable. Last season, they finished 8th in the regular campaign and then failed to surpass either Charleroi or Westerlo in the Europe play-offs group. This summer, they lost key defender Ramackers to Ferencváros, weakening their backline just ahead of the new season. In their league opener away to Zulte Waregem, they held a lead until the 9th minute of stoppage time, only to concede from the penalty spot and settle for a frustrating 1-1 draw. Despite a solid attacking display, Mechelen’s defensive frailties were once again exposed late in the game. The squad looks thin in terms of depth, and questions remain about their ability to compete with top-tier sides.
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Club Brugge are forced to handle a packed early schedule. The Blue and Blacks are kicking off this round early — they’re set to begin their Champions League qualification campaign on Tuesday evening. Club Brugge were also the first team to start the Belgian football season. They got the opportunity to exact revenge on Union Saint-Gilloise for losing last season’s title race, and took it with a 2-1 comeback win in the Super Cup. The victory gave new manager Nicky Hayen the perfect start to the 2025/2026 campaign. Despite losing key players like De Cuyper and Talbi during the summer, and potentially Yashari, Brugge reinforced with the likes of Reiz and Carlos Borges. In their Pro League opener, they fell behind early to Genk but showed strong character to turn the game around and secure another win. The team's momentum and tactical discipline have been evident from the start, showing that they’re serious contenders once again this season.
Mechelen managed to hold Brugge to draws on three occasions — either 0-0 or 1-1. However, in December last year, they were beaten at home by the Blue and Blacks. The visitors have looked sharp and determined in the opening weeks. Trust them to continue their winning run with a solid away victory.
Prediction for the match: С
lub Brugge to win.
