Belgian clubs face decisive Champions League night

Wednesday evening marks the final round of the Champions League league phase, with Belgian sides Club Brugge and Union Saint-Gilloise heading into crucial matches.

Club Brugge still have a real chance of reaching the play-offs. They host French side Marseille and must win to reach 10 points, which could be enough for a place in the top 24. Even then, their fate will depend on other results, including games involving Copenhagen, PSV and Monaco. A draw would leave Brugge on eight points and only a very slim hope of qualification.

In recent seasons, Club have built a strong European record, reaching the knockout stages several times and even making the Conference League semi-finals. However, Marseille will be tough opponents. The former European champions sit 19th and are also fighting for a play-off spot.

For Union, Champions League debutants this season, the task is far harder. Playing their “home” match at Anderlecht’s Lotto Park, they need a huge win against Atalanta to keep their hopes alive. Union are 31st with six points and a poor goal difference of minus ten, which could prove decisive.

Atalanta, meanwhile, still have plenty to play for. They are 13th but could finish in the top eight and qualify directly for the last 16, with the table extremely tight at this stage.

Both Belgian clubs now face a tense and dramatic final night in Europe.

^{© BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR}