This week, European competitions are once again heating up. With the League Phase in all UEFA competitions now completed, teams that finished between positions 9 and 24 must face each other for qualification. Several Belgian clubs are in action, with Cercle Brugge being the only team already directly qualified. Read all about it in this article.
Champions League
On Tuesday, the Champions League features a top clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid. High tension is expected at the Etihad Stadium during this first-leg match, as both teams underperformed during the League Phase. Last year, Real Madrid won Europe’s most prestigious competition for the fifteenth time, succeeding the Cityzens. This year, both teams failed to qualify directly for the Round of 16. Over the past three seasons, City and Real have faced each other multiple times but only in the semi-finals or quarter-finals.
A day later, Club Brugge will also compete in this round of the play-offs. The Bruges side will face Atalanta, a strong Italian team. This match marks a reunion between Charles De Ketelaere and Club Brugge, the club where he rose through the youth ranks. The attacking midfielder was crowned Best Belgian Abroad and returns with a powerful team. Atalanta recently proved their strength with a 0-5 victory over Hellas Verona in Italy. Club Brugge has been warned, especially after failing to convince in their match against OHL last weekend.
Europa League
Union faces Ajax in the play-offs. The Brussels-based club was on track in the Europa League but ended up stuck in the top 9-24 group. Now they must qualify against Ajax, who also narrowly missed the top 8. The match will not take place at the Joseph Mariën Stadium but at the King Baudouin Stadium. Union has the home advantage and will need to make the most of it. It’s crucial to take the lead ahead of the return leg. The first match will be played in Belgium on Thursday, with Ajax hosting the return at the Johan Cruijff ArenA a week later.
Anderlecht is also set to compete in this play-off round. The Mauves finished 10th in the League Phase, falling just one point short of direct qualification. This week, they face Fenerbahçe, the Turkish side led by coach José Mourinho. The team is performing well in their domestic league, trailing only three points behind leaders Galatasaray. Anderlecht plays the first leg away, with the return scheduled for February 20 at Lotto Park.
Perhaps the most interesting match of this game week is the one between AZ and Galatasaray. These teams previously met in the Europa League, ending in a 1-1 draw. This time, a winner must emerge, raising the stakes. AZ is lagging in the Dutch league but still holds fourth place, while Galatasaray leads in Turkey. The first match will be played at the AFAS Stadium on Thursday, with the return at RAMS Park in Istanbul.
Porto and AS Roma also face off this game week. The teams finished just one point apart, promising a tight encounter. AS Roma has improved after a poor start to the season, while Porto remains one of the top teams in Portugal. The first leg will be held at Estadio do Dragao, with the return a week later at Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Conference League
Gent will open at home against Real Betis. The Buffaloes failed to impress in the Conference League, finishing in 17th place. A lackluster result for the team ranked sixth in Belgium, forcing them into the play-offs. Real Betis, a formidable opponent from Seville, presents a challenge but is not an insurmountable obstacle for Gent. The first match will take place on Thursday, with the return leg on February 20 at Estadio Benito Villamarin.
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