Club Brugge beat RC Lens 3–0 after Hans Vanaken’s stoppage-time opener

Ivanović hits the post

Lens began with Florian Thauvin on the bench, while Thorgan Hazard attempted two early shots without scoring. Franjo Ivanović came close for the visitors in the 14th minute, curling a right-footed shot against the post from inside the area. Ruben Aguilar also threatened, followed by Junior Kadile at the end of a collective attacking move.

Before the interval, Michaël Cuisance supplied Kadile for another opportunity, but Brugge goalkeeper Sommer saved to keep the visitors from scoring.

Vanaken breaks the tie before halftime

Hans Vanaken supplied the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time, scoring from the six-yard area after a rebound from the visiting goalkeeper. His goal in the third added minute gave Brugge a one-goal advantage to take into the interval.

Seys adds a second after the restart

Matthieu Udol forced Sommer into action in the 48th minute as Lens resumed their search for a goal.

Brugge’s second goal came in the 50th minute through Joaquin Seys. He finished from close range inside the penalty area following a goalkeeper’s save, extending the home side’s lead.

The visitors then threatened through substitute Thauvin, whose header Sommer turned away after Brugge’s second goal.

Forbs completes the scoring

As Lens sought to reduce the deficit, Carlos Forbs scored on a counterattack in the 72nd minute. His finish completed Brugge’s scoring, with no further goals before the final whistle.

Odsonne Édouard tried to pull a goal back in the 89th minute, but Sommer saved again. Lens finished with seven shots on goal to Brugge’s five and led the corner count five to one.

Vanaken was named Player of the Match after opening the scoring in Brugge’s three-goal home victory.