Cercle Brugge vs Zulte Waregem

Late Drama as Opoku Seals Victory in Thrilling League Clash

The Jupiler Pro League delivered a pulsating encounter on May 2, 2026, as Cercle Brugge hosted Zulte Waregem in a match that swung back and forth with incredible intensity.

First Half Sees Early Goals and a Yellow Card

The game kicked off with both teams eager to assert their dominance. It was Zulte Waregem who drew first blood, with Ibrahima Diaby finding the back of the net in the 21st minute to give the visitors the lead. The home crowd was silenced as the away side took control. Despite attempts from Cercle Brugge to respond, Zulte Waregem's defense held firm. The first booking of the match came in the 43rd minute, as Anosike Ementa of Zulte Waregem received a yellow card.

Second Half Erupts with Goals and a Comeback

Following the interval, Cercle Brugge emerged with renewed purpose. Their comeback began in the 57th minute when Jeppe Erenbjerg equalized for the hosts. The momentum shifted dramatically just two minutes later, in the 65th minute, as Dante Vanzeir, assisted by Pieter Gerkens, fired Cercle Brugge into the lead, sending the stadium into a frenzy. However, Zulte Waregem showed resilience and fought back to level the scores in the 67th minute through Marley Ake, reigniting their hopes.

Opoku's Late Strike Decides Tense Encounter

Substitutions were made by both sides as they looked to gain an edge in a fiercely contested second half. As the clock ticked down, the tension was palpable. Then, in the 88th minute, Cercle Brugge found the decisive blow. Joseph Opoku became the hero for the home side, scoring the winning goal after a superb assist from Serxho Ujka. The stadium erupted in celebration as the late goal sealed a dramatic victory for Cercle Brugge. After a few minutes of added time, the referee blew the final whistle, bringing an end to a memorable and hard-fought contest.