The 2025 Belgian Super Cup is here, marking the electrifying start of the new football season in Belgium. On July 20, 2025, at 18:30 CEST, Union Saint-Gilloise and Club Brugge will lock horns at the Joseph Marien Stadium in Forest, Brussels, in a rematch of last year’s thrilling encounter.
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This season-opener pits the 2024-25 Belgian Pro League champions (Union SG) against the 2024-25 Belgian Cup winners (Club Brugge) in a battle for early silverware. Union SG, hosting this edition, will look to defend their Super Cup title after defeating Club Brugge 2-1 in 2024. Meanwhile, the Blauw-Zwart are hungry for redemption and eager to extend their record as the most successful team in Super Cup history with 17 titles.
Union Saint-Gilloise: The Reigning Champions’ Resolve
Union SG enters this match with immense confidence, having secured their fourth trophy in 1.5 years (Belgian Cup, Super Cup, and League title). Their dramatic league triumph last season was sealed with a “waanzinnige reeks” (crazy streak) in the play-offs, solidifying their status as Belgium’s top club.
CEO Philippe Bormans emphasized their ambition:
“The Super Cup is a trophy, so we will play for it.”
Under coach Sébastien Pocognoli, who begins his second season in charge, Union SG has maintained stability—a rarity since their 2021 promotion. Pocognoli remarked:
“We are further along than this time last year.”
However, key departures could impact their squad dynamics:
- Anthony Moris, their long-serving captain and goalkeeper, has left for Al-Khaleej FC, leaving 22-year-old Vic Chambaere as the likely replacement.
- Other exits include Noah Sadiki and Koki Machida, but new signings like Raul Florucz (forward) and Adem Zorgane (midfielder) add fresh firepower.
Pocognoli remains committed to Union’s aggressive, high-pressing style:
“You should never betray your DNA. Union identifies itself with ‘terriers’ that fit their house style. That it’s not tiki-taka, so what?”
Club Brugge: Chasing Records and Redemption
Club Brugge, the record Super Cup holders (17 titles), are determined to reclaim dominance. This marks their 22nd appearance in the competition, and a win would secure their 5th Super Cup in the last 8 years—extending their incredible 12-season trophy streak.
Coach Nicky Hayen, who already lifted the Belgian Cup last season, is eyeing his second trophy. The squad has seen significant changes:
- New signings: Midfielder Ludovit Reis (Hamburg), striker Nicolò Tresoldi, and winger Carlos Forbs (Ajax, €6m + bonuses). Forbs’ arrival is seen as a “serious gamble” but one with high potential.
- Goalkeeper battle: Simon Mignolet and Nordin Jackers are competing for the starting spot. Mignolet made his stance clear:
“Who stands in goal during that first match is off to a start. I don’t think rotating is an option. It must be clear.”
- Transfer drama: Midfielder Ardon Jashari has been excluded from the squad amid AC Milan transfer talks, while key departures include Maxim De Cuyper, Chemsdine Talbi, and Ferran Jutgla.
Analyst Tom Boudeweel commented on Club Brugge’s transfer strategy:
“Club stands much stronger financially now, thanks to Champions League performances and Club NXT. Selling below a certain price? That’s no longer necessary.”
Head-to-Head: Union SG’s Recent Dominance
Union SG holds a psychological edge, having gone unbeaten in their last six matches against Club Brugge, including:
- 2024 Super Cup win (2-1)
- 2-2 draw in their last league meeting (Dec 22, 2024, at Joseph Marien Stadium)
However, Boudeweel downplays the Super Cup’s predictive power:
“It’s a friendly match where things are tried—a final test, not a definitive measure of value.” (Referencing Union’s slow start last season despite winning the Super Cup.)
Final Showdown: What’s at Stake?
While the Super Cup Belge is a season opener, neither side will treat it lightly. For Union SG, victory would cement their rise as Belgium’s new powerhouse ahead of their Champions League campaign. For Club Brugge, it’s a chance to reassert their historic dominance and kickstart another trophy-laden season.
Fans can secure tickets Union Club Brugge for this blockbuster clash, which promises fireworks. Will Union SG continue their recent supremacy, or will Club Brugge reclaim their throne?
One thing is certain: Belgian football is back with a bang!
doragon sports 