Union Saint-Gilloise, the reigning Belgian champions, will face off against Club Brugge, the Cup holders, in the Belgian Super Cup on Sunday, marking the first match of the season with a trophy at stake, with kick-off scheduled for 18:30 at the Marien Stadium.
These teams last met in the previous edition, with roles reversed; despite playing at home, Union Saint-Gilloise lost 1-2 to Club Brugge. Being the most successful club in Super Cup history with 17 trophies, Club Brugge is eager for revenge, especially since they finished second in the league, just three points behind Union. Meanwhile, Union will aim to secure the Super Cup for only the second time in their history.
Both squads will enter the match weakened by transfer market departures. Union Saint-Gilloise have retained manager Sébastien Pocognoli, who is the first to lead the team for two consecutive seasons since their rise to the top division in 2022, but have lost key players including goalkeeper Anthony Moris (Al-Khaleej), defender Koki Machida (Hoffenheim), and midfielder Noah Sadiki (Sunderland). Club Brugge have similarly seen the exits of Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland), Ferran Jutgla (Celta Vigo), and Casper Nielsen (Standard Liege).
In addition to pursuing the trophy, this match will serve as a crucial test for managers Pocognoli and Nicky Hayen to assess their squads’ strengths and weaknesses, just days before the Jupiler Pro League resumes. Both clubs are scheduled for significant league matchups: Union Saint-Gilloise will visit Antwerp on 25 July at 20:45, while Club Brugge will host Genk on 27 July at 18:30.
