October 2, 2024. 22:00. Graz. UPC-Arena Stadium
UEFA Champions League. Group Stage. Matchday 2
Sturm Graz (Austria) vs. Club Brugge (Belgium)
How to Watch: The figs
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This match features two clubs that suffered defeats in their opening matches of the Champions League. For both teams, this is not just a key encounter in the tournament but also an opportunity to secure a significant victory. For Sturm, Club Brugge is considered the weakest opponent in the Champions League, and vice versa. Therefore, a loss in this match would be a disappointment for the supporters.
Storm Graz
Reaching the group stage (now the overall stage) of the Champions League is always a celebration for Sturm. The Austrian team frequently qualifies for European competitions but usually finds themselves eliminated in the qualifiers. This season, Sturm directly entered the group phase of the Champions League thanks to their triumph over Salzburg in the Austrian Championship. From the outset, it was clear that the Graz club would be seen as underdogs in this stage. The draw could have been considered relatively successful for Sturm, were it not for one factor – any opponent remains formidable for a team of their caliber. Brest, Brugge, Sporting, Girona, Borussia Dortmund, Lille, Atalanta, and RB Leipzig are their competitors. They drew favorable matchups from all four pots, avoiding any giants. Nevertheless, with such opponents, Sturm’s chances of advancing to the next round appear bleak, as they will be underdogs in every match, including against Brugge, where bookmakers favor the Belgian club despite them playing away.
Club Bruges
The 0-3 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the first match of the Champions League can hardly be called a fair reflection of the game. The Belgians performed admirably against the Germans, created several chances to score, but faltered after conceding the first goal. Once Dortmund found the net in the 76th minute, they capitalized on counterattacks to add more goals. This has been symptomatic of Brugge’s season so far. In virtually every game, the team under coach Niki Hayen has shown themselves equal if not superior to their opponents, generating numerous scoring opportunities. However, their execution has been concern, leading to losses or draws in matches where Brugge should have comfortably secured victories. A recent game against Gent highlighted this issue, as they managed to score four times with only four shots on goal.
Club Brugge’s schedule in the Champions League looks tougher than Sturm’s, but I wouldn’t readily dismiss their chances of making it to the top 24. Matches against Sturm, Sporting, and Celtic could very well yield victories. Games against Aston Villa, AC Milan, and Juventus could also add a few points to their tally. Even the match against Manchester City in the final round cannot be dismissed, as the English side might have accomplished their objectives by then and field a weakened squad.
Sturm vs. Brugge: Author’s Prediction
As noted earlier, Brugge creates a wealth of goal-scoring opportunities but seriously struggles defensively. With Sturm playing at home, this is a crucial match for them, and I expect a strong desire from the Austrians to seize this encounter. Brugge also needs a victory if they hope to progress to the next round. I suggest betting on both teams to score, with a total exceeding 2.5 goals.