Cercle Brugge took home a hard-fought point on Thursday evening. The Association had to say goodbye to Kévin Denkey just before half time, who received a second yellow card. In a boring match, both LASK Linz and Cercle Brugge were unable to convince, resulting in a 0-0 final score.
Cercle Brugge achieved a good six out of six in the competition after matches against Union and Sporting Charleroi. Green-black also won easily 3-0 against Olympic Charleroi in the cup. It is therefore up to the Association to continue this good trend in Europe.
After a painful 3-1 defeat in Iceland, Cercle Brugge was determined to achieve a better result in Austria. Trainer Miron Muslic chose his usual starting team this time, with only two changes. Agyekum made way for Abu Francis, and Efekele was preferred to Nazinho. Peter Žulj, who previously played for Anderlecht for two seasons, was in the starting line-up for opponent LASK Linz.
LASK Linz started brightly and created several chances in the opening phase. Berisha and Stojkovic quickly created a threat, but goalkeeper Delanghe kept Cercle upright. Just before half-time it became exciting again when Žulj hit the inside of the post, and the ball on the rebound remained dangerously in front of the goal.
Cercle Brugge entered the second half against LASK Linz with one man less after the exclusion of Kévin Denkey just before half-time. Trainer Miron Muslic decided to intervene firmly and made three substitutions during halftime. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Cercle chose not to immediately crawl back. LASK Linz tried to apply pressure, but failed to create any real opportunities.
In the final phase, LASK Linz tried everything to force a goal. Captain Žulj had another chance in injury time, but his shot went wide. The referee added four minutes of extra time, during which Cercle Brugge mainly tried to clear the ball as far as possible, with results, as the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
After more than half an hour of play, Kévin Denkey received his first yellow card after an aerial duel, which in any case ruled him out for the next home game against Hearts. Shortly before half-time, however, the Togolese was given a second yellow card after a minor foul in which he placed his hand on his opponent’s shoulder in an aerial duel. The referee sent Denkey off the field with a red card, which led to Cercle being shorthanded at an awkward moment.
Yellow or no yellow? ???????????? pic.twitter.com/JCjo2tEoVC— Play Sports (@playsports) https://twitter.com/playsports/status/1854630226589782144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
