Club Brugge beat Anderlecht to become Belgian champions

Club Brugge became the Belgian Jupiler Pro League football champions for the first time in 11 years after their 4-0 thumping of title rivals Anderlecht on Sunday.

With two games still to go in the play-off round, Michel Preud’homme’s side earned a six-point cushion. Under the play-off rules, their table finish to the regular season means they have an unassailable lead in the standings.

In front of their home fans at the Jan Breydel stadium, top scorer Abdoulay Diaby scored twice within five minutes in the first half, before Hans Vanaken and Timmy Simons added goals after the break.

“Today we restored our honour after 11 years without a title,” said Preud’homme, who also helped Standard Liège end their 25-year wait for the title in 2008. “I really wanted to do this for the Club Brugge supporters, who are very dear to me. Even when things weren’t as good, they always supported me. I have a feeling it’s going to be a crazy night. Or even a crazy week.”

Photo: Kurt Desplenter/BELGA