On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, the Jan Breydel Stadium hosts Club Brugge KV vs Lazio in Matchday 2 of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League.
The Head Referee for this clash will be Anthony Taylor, the Assistant Referees will be Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, the Fourth Official will be Paul Tierney, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be Stuart Attwell with the assistance of Lee Betts.
As it stands in the Italian Serie A, the Biancocelesti sit in twelfth with a record of 2W-1D-2L (7 points); while in the Belgian Pro League, the Blauw-Zwart sit in second with a record of 6W-1D-3L (19 points).
Expected Starting Lineups
Club Brugge (3-5-2): Mignolet; Clinton Mata, Kossounou, Deli; Diatta, Vormer, Rits, Vanaken, Sobol; Dennis, de Ketelaere
- Unavailable: Mitrovic
- Disqualified: –
Lazio (3-5-2): Reina; Patric, Hoedt, Acerbi; Marusic, Akpa Akpro, Parolo, Milinkovic-Savic, Fares; Correa, Caicedo
- Unavailable: Radu, Cataldi, Escalante, Immobile, Luis Alberto, Strakosha, Lucas Leiva, Lazzari, Luiz Felipe, Armini, Djavan Anderson
- Disqualified: –
Prediction
This match takes place after Lazio won 2-1 against Bologna. It was a hard-fought effort from the Biancocelesti after an emotional win mid-week in the Champions League (against Borussia Dortmund). After a lacklustre first half, Simone Inzaghi’s side responded with a valiant effort in the second half; both Luis Alberto and Ciro Immobile scored for Lazio. However, they had difficulties finding a third goal, and Lorenzo De Silvestri scored in added time to put pressure on the Biancocelesti. But Lazio overcame Bologna’s late surge and secured all three points. The victory ended the Biancocelesti’s three game winless streak (in Serie A) and moved them up into twelfth place in the table. Luis Alberto – who put forth an impressive effort – was the Man of the Match; the Spaniard has shown great form in recent weeks.
In Club Brugge’s recent match against OH Leuven, Thomas Henry scored his fourth goal this season as he converted from the spot and gave Leuven a 1-0 lead. However, right before half time, Brugge were awarded a penalty as David Hubert conceded a foul. Noa Lang converted from the spot and tied the match (1-1). But just before the 60′, Xavier Mercier scored from inside the box to put Leuven in front once again. Although Philippe Clement’s side held an advantage in possession and shots, they were ultimately not clinical and decisive enough with their chances. The loss put an end to their seven game unbeaten streak in all competitions; this was their first loss since August 8, 2020 (which was against Charleroi). Hans Vanaken and Krépin Diatta have each scored five goals this season and continue to prove that they are a threat upfront.
After a slow start to their season, Lazio have started to turn their season around with two straight wins in all competitions. However, they unfortunately enter this match with plenty of absentees due to COVID-19 and injuries; yet this should not be an excuse. If they are to pick up the three points, the Biancocelesti will need to be motivated and mentally prepared, especially playing away from home.
Club Brugge 1-2 Lazio
