Needing only to avoid defeat to progress to the playoff round after a 1-0 win in the first leg, Brugge began on the front foot. Captain Hans Vanaken forced Salzburg goalkeeper Alexander Schlager into a fine save after just 11 minutes, and it didn’t take long for Nicky Hayen’s side to threaten again as the in-form Christos Tzolis was denied a fourth goal across his last six matches by another splendid Schlager save.
The hosts’ fast start was soon silenced by Salzburg, who edged ahead in the 18th minute. Jacob Rasmussen was on target for the first time since February 2024, as he headed home Maurits Kjaergaard’s set-piece.
Kjaergaard nearly got his own name on the scoresheet shortly before the half-hour mark as he called Simon Mignolet into his first save of the match.
With half-time on the horizon, Salzburg stunned their hosts again in the 42nd minute, doubling their lead on the night and seizing the aggregate advantage in the process. Recalled to the starting XI, Edmund Baidoo repaid manager Thomas Letsch’s faith by acrobatically volleying Stefan Lainer’s delivery beyond Mignolet.
With immediate action needed, Brugge had two notable opportunities to get back into the game in the second half. First, Schlager comfortably dealt with Romeo Vermant’s header before the Salzburg shot-stopper repelled another headed effort from Ludovit Reis.
However, the visitors’ stopper was absolutely helpless to prevent Brugge from levelling the tie on aggregate in the 61st minute. Brought on at the break, Kyriani Sabbe was instrumental as he put the ball on a plate for Joaquin Seys to send a stunning half-volley straight into the bottom corner.
Following a quiet period in play, the hosts threatened to snatch the late goal they needed to restore their aggregate lead. And in the 83rd minute, it duly arrived as Carlos Forbs ran past his marker before venomously firing past Schlager.
Salzburg's fate was sealed when Vanaken secured victory for Brugge on the night, booking his side's place in the playoff round and ending Salzburg's run of six successive appearances in the main draw of the UCL.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge)
Check out the full match summary here.
