“The goal, despite the new format, remains to get through this first round. I really think it’s possible.”explained captain Hans Vanaken in a pre-match press conference. But is it realistic?
To answer this question, Opta has carried out numerous simulations to determine the number of points needed to finish in the top 8 or the top 24. In 98% of these simulations, sixteen points out of 24 are enough to finish in the top 8, a total that seems too high for the Bruges team. What interests them is the race for the top 24. In this, ten points would be enough in 99% of cases while nine points would also offer a real chance (69% of cases).
The Blauw en Zwart must therefore keep this objective in mind: nine points. Unfortunately, the Blauw en Zwart have not really been spoiled by the draw. Indeed, the matches against their two weakest opponents, Sturm Graz and Celtic, are away while the pot 4 they will host is Aston Villa, the toughest opponent of the last pot. To put it simply: they will absolutely have to achieve one or the other feat to hope to reach the final phase.
Club Brugge has its head in the new stars and is waiting for Dortmund with bated breath
