European Super Football

Which Welsh players performed well during their heartbreak defeat against Belgium? The result leaves them facing a potentially intense play-off campaign to qualify for the World Cup. Author | David Sampson Despite the defeat, there were promising performances from a number of players. Yet again, Wales caused a major nation problems, they just didn't have enough quality on the night. Karl Darlow | 5. 5 Had little chance with either of Kevin De Bruyne’s pinpoint penalties but could have done more to prevent the second goal. Neco Williams | 7 Strong defensively and lively going forward, showing a much-improved display from the Nottingham Forest full-back. Ben Cabango | 5 A tough evening for the Swansea defender, who should have reacted better for Belgium’s second goal. Wales defending Ben Davies | 6 Will be relieved to see the back of the electric Jeremy Doku. Despite being under pressure, Davies handled his defensive duties with composure. Joe Rodon | 7.5 Produced a key bloc...

Wales 2 - 4 Belgium  Wales’ hopes of automatic qualification for the World Cup were all but extinguished after a home defeat to Belgium. Author | Stephen Chad Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium The defeat leaves the play-offs as their only realistic path to next summer’s finals. Craig Bellamy’s side made a superb start, taking the lead in the seventh minute when Joe Rodon rose highest to head in from a corner. Their early momentum was halted when Kevin De Bruyne equalised from the penalty spot after a harsh handball decision against Ethan Ampadu, confirmed following a lengthy VAR check. Wales fought to get back in the game From that point, Belgium’s superiority began to show. Jeremy Doku, who has been in outstanding form for Manchester City this season, tormented Wales on the counterattack and set up Thomas Meunier to put the visitors in front. De Bruyne, Doku and Leandro Trossard all missed chances to extend the lead before another De Bruyne penalty, this time for a clear ha...

Wales v Belgium preview Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Belgium on Monday was always likely to feel significant. Now, it has the potential to be decisive. Author | Stephen Chad Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium Their fate is once again in their own hands after Belgium were held to a goalless draw by North Macedonia on Friday. If Craig Bellamy’s side win their final three matches, they will secure a place at next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. That remains a sizeable challenge. The most daunting obstacle comes next. This may not be the same Belgium that finished third at the 2018 World Cup or topped the world rankings three years ago, but they still possess a wealth of talent, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku among their array of attacking options. Not that Wales are likely to be overawed, particularly under a head coach as determined and optimistic as Bellamy. The current state of the play in the group North Macedonia lead the group on 12 points, o...

Union Saint-Gilloise 0 - 4 Newcastle United  Newcastle United recovered from their weekend against Arsenal with a comfortable win at Union Saint-Gilloise. Author | Anthony Gates Stadium | Lotto Park Eddie Howe’s side had been left reeling after that dramatic loss to Arsenal at the weekend, yet they showed no sign of a setback in Brussels, producing a confident display to secure their first away win in the competition since 2003. A closer look at a brilliant European away day for Newcastle The breakthrough came on 17 minutes when Anthony Elanga’s cross was only half-cleared and Sandro Tonali met the ball on the edge of the area. The midfielder’s volley deflected off Nick Woltemade, leaving Kjell Scherpen stranded. Union, making their debut in the Champions League, refused to buckle and Nick Pope was required to save well from Adem Zorgane. But just before the interval, Newcastle doubled their advantage from the penalty spot after Elanga was felled by Fedde Leysen. Gordon dispatc...

Rangers 0 - 1 Genk Rangers’ woeful start to the season continued as Oh Hyeon-gyu’s goal, combined with Mohamed Diomande’s first-half red card, handed Genk a Europa League victory. Author |  Mark Lee Stadium |  Ibrox Kick-off in Glasgow Under-pressure head coach Russell Martin was seeking successive wins for the first time, but his side were second-best for long periods against a Belgian side who squandered numerous opportunities. In recent seasons, this competition has offered Rangers a welcome distraction from domestic struggles, but it quickly became apparent that even that would elude them this time. The result added to Martin’s mounting frustrations, highlighting his inability to generate momentum or positivity. Discipline issues cost Russell Martin’s side Rangers were already on the back foot before Diomande lunged recklessly at Zakaria El Ouahdi just before half-time. A straight red card was fully justified. Earlier in the match, John Souttar had appeared to provide a ...

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens The deal is said to be worth an initial 21m euros (£18.1m) plus add-ons. Author | Olivia T This United's fifth signing of the window. Has it been a successful summer for them? Who is Senne Lammens? Lammens moved to Antwerp on a free transfer from Club Brugge in 2023 and has since made 64 appearances, lifting the Belgian Super Cup in his first season. The Belgian youth international has yet to win a senior cap, though he received his first call-up in March 2025 and is widely viewed as the natural successor to Thibaut Courtois . He featured 30 times in the Belgian Pro League last season, recording seven clean sheets. His recent absence from Antwerp’s squad for consecutive matches against KV Mechelen and KVC Westerlo came as speculation over his future intensified. How did United get here? Rúben Amorim began the season with uncertainty over his preferred goalkeeper. Altay Bayindir’s mistake against Arsen...

Club Brugge 6 - 0 Rangers (Club Brugge won 9-1 on aggregate) Russell Martin’s Rangers crashed out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion, suffering a record-equalling six-goal defeat against Club Brugge to seal a heavy aggregate loss. Author | Mark Lee Stadium | Jan Breydelstadion Pre match atmosphere Before kick-off Martin insisted Rangers were “calm” despite a stuttering start to the season, but supporters are unlikely to share that sentiment with Celtic due at Ibrox  on Sunday. A closer look at a terrible first 45 minutes An error-strewn opening eight minutes in Belgium encapsulated Martin’s difficult start as manager, with Rangers five goals down by the interval. The defence crumbled as  Nicolo Tresoldi ’s diving header found the net and Max Aarons was dismissed three minutes later for dragging down  Christos Tzolis  after a simple ball sliced through the back line. Captain Hans Vanaken headed in from a corner before the hosts scor...

Rangers 1 - 3 Club Brugge  Rangers’ hopes of reaching the Champions League group stage were left in tatters after a shambolic opening spell allowed Club Brugge to seize control Author | Mark Lee Stadium | Ibrox Russell Martin ’s side were torn apart in the first 20 minutes, conceding three goals that exposed defensive flaws which have lingered since the start of the season.  For a head coach still under scrutiny from supporters, the lure of Champions League revenue looked like a potential lifeline, yet the night only brought further questions about his team’s resilience. Romeo Vermant opened the scoring after three minutes, pouncing on Nasser Djiga ’s failure to deal with a routine ball before lobbing Jack Butland from distance. Jorne Spileers doubled the advantage soon after, unmarked from a corner, and Brandon Mechele ’s fierce drive made it three before the match had even reached the 20-minute mark. Ibrox, initially stunned into silence, turned to anger as Rangers s...

Spain 6 - 2 Belgium Alexia Putellas delivered a masterclass in creativity and composure as Spain reinforced their status as Euro 2025 favourites with a commanding win over Belgium Author | Jack L Stadium | Stockhorn Arena Putellas scored twice and provided two assists in a performance that highlighted her enduring class and influence. After making a flying start in their opener against Portugal, Spain took a little longer to find their rhythm in Thun, but once they did, they took full control. She opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a rifled finish following a neat exchange with Vicky Lopez. Belgium responded almost immediately, with Justine Vanhaevermaet rising above the defence to head in Tessa Wullaert’s corner. Spain regained the lead six minutes before the break when Irene Paredes, back in the side after suspension, powered home a header from a set-piece. READ MORE |  What else has been happening at Euro 2025 READ MORE |  England’s Euros defence begins on ...

Belgium 0 - 1 Italy Arianna Caruso's fantastic strike gave Italy victory over Belgium in their first match of Euro 2025. Author | Peter Grainger  Stadium | Stade de Tourbillon The first half offered little in the way of clear chances, though Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert came close after turning smartly in the box, only to fire into the side-netting. But with the interval approaching, Caruso latched onto a defence-splitting pass from Lucia Di Guglielmo and calmly guided her finish into the top corner. Italy threatened to extend their lead after the break in Sion. Captain Cristiana Girelli saw her audacious back-heel saved by Lisa Lichtfus, while Michela Cambiaghi squandered a golden chance when clean through on goal. READ MORE | Switzerland 1 - 2 Norway READ MORE | Latest Euro 2025 news, match reports and more The result hands Andrea Soncin’s side a valuable three points in what looks a demanding group that also features world champions Spain, who face Portugal later on Thursda...

Belgium 4 - 3 Wales Wales produced a stirring fightback in Brussels, recovering from three goals down to draw level with Belgium, only for Kevin De Bruyne to strike late and hand Craig Bellamy his first defeat as manager Author | Mark Milward Stadium | Stade Roi Baudouin Belgium raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening half-hour, with Romelu Lukaku converting from the penalty spot before Youri Tielemans capped a sweeping move and Jeremy Doku added a dazzling third, cutting inside and drilling into the bottom corner. For Wales, it threatened to be a repeat of the 4-0 defeat by Slovakia a year ago that brought an end to Rob Page’s tenure.  But this team, under Bellamy, has shown greater resolve. A penalty from Harry Wilson shortly before the break gave them a foothold, and the comeback gathered pace in the second half. READ MORE | World Cup Qualifying match reports READ MORE | Stories from across Belgium Wilson turned provider to set up Sorba Thomas, who finished coolly for ...

Club Brugge 1 - 3 Aston Villa Aston Villa took control of their Champions League last-16 tie with a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge, capitalising on a late collapse from the Belgian side to gain an advantage ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg. Author - Jamie P Stadium - Jan Breydelstadion Pictures from the away end Brugge had looked the more composed team for much of the contest but were left to rue their own mistakes after conceding twice in the closing stages against an underwhelming Villa. The hosts’ downfall began when Brandon Mechele inadvertently turned Morgan Rogers’ cross into his own net. Just five minutes later, a careless challenge from Christos Tzolis on Matty Cash gifted Villa a penalty, which Marco Asensio confidently dispatched. The three-time Champions League winner has now scored three goals in his last two appearances for the club. How the match unfolded Leon Bailey gave Villa the perfect start, volleying home inside three minutes to put the visitors in front. ...

Club Brugge 2 - 1 Atalanta  Gustaf Nilsson won and converted a controversial late penalty as Club Brugge edged past Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off. Author - Peter Grainger Stadium - Jan Breydelstadion The Belgian champions started brightly and got their reward when teenage winger Chemsdine Talbi pounced on a loose pass before setting up Ferran Jutgla, who fired a right-footed shot into the top left corner after 15 minutes. Atalanta hit back just before half-time, with Croatia international Mario Pasalic nodding in Davide Zappacosta’s cross from the left. However, deep into stoppage time, Swedish defender Isak Hien was penalised for holding off his fellow countryman Nilsson with his arm. After a VAR check, Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler upheld his decision to award the penalty. A fascinating encounter in Belgium. eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com youtu.be/ciZwuAcTHgA?... [image or embed] — European Super Football ( @superfootball.bsky.soc...

AC Milan 3 - 1 Club Brugge Tijjani Reijnders netted two impressive second-half goals as AC Milan overcame a shaky start to defeat a 10-man Club Brugge. Author - Katrine Jonnson  The Belgian side began brightly, with Christos Tzolis nearly putting them ahead, only for a superb save by Mike Maignan to deny him. Milan, needing a victory after defeats against Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, took the lead when former Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic's   inswinging corner flew directly into the net. Referee Felix Zwayer showed a red card to Raphael Onyedika for a high tackle on Reijnders following a VAR review, leaving Brugge with what eventually proved to be a significant disadvantage. Despite the setback, Brugge managed to level the score with a well-crafted goal. Substitute Kyriani Sabbe finished off a slick team move, slotting the ball into the far corner. At 19, Sabbe became only the fourth teenager to score against Milan in the Champions League. Champions League: 2024/20...

France 2 - 0 Belgium France picked up their first victory of their Nations League campaign with a comfortable win over Belgium.  After losing 3-1 to Italy in their first League A Group 2 match and they faced a tough challenge against Belgium.  Kylian Mbappe, the France captain, started on the bench for this game as he had played the full 90 minutes against Italy.  France's coach, Didier Deschamps, decided to change the entire forward line for this match. Belgium had a bright start but fell behind just before the half-hour mark when Kolo Muani scored his sixth goal for France after pouncing on a loose ball.  Ousmane Dembele, Muani's teammate at Paris St-Germain, made it 2-0 after the break with a well-struck shot. Mbappe came on in the second half and had two good chances but was unable to score. Click here for more news and stories from across France What next for Belgium? They opened their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 win against Israel - with De Bruyn...

Cercle Brugge 1 - 0 Kilmarnock (Cercle Brugge won 2-1 on aggregate) Before the match, Bruges was awash in blue and white as 2,500 Kilmarnock fans flocked to the city. However, there was no European triumph for the Ayrshire men, who fell to a 1-0 defeat against Cercle Brugge, losing 2-1 on aggregate in their Europa League second qualifying round tie. The matchwinner for the hosts was Thibo Somers, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up by Liam Donnelly and Lewis Mayo to score in a scrappy affair at the Jan Breydelstadion. Despite the defeat, the travelling fans had something to cheer about early in the second half when Robby McCrorie saved a Kevin Denkey penalty. Kilmarnock, despite their efforts, couldn’t find a breakthrough and will now move to the Europa Conference League, facing Norwegian side Tromso in the third qualifying round, with the home leg at Rugby Park next Thursday. Derek McInnes made two changes to the side from the first leg, with last season's top scorer Marley ...

Kilmarnock 1 - 1 Cercle Brugge Kilmarnock will head to Belgium on level terms with Cercle Brugge after a comeback draw in the first leg of their Europa League second round qualifier. There was a fantastic atmosphere before the match started After an evenly matched first half at Rugby Park, the visitors burst into action and were rewarded with Kazeem Olaigbe’s powerful finish. However, Kilmarnock equalised when Kyle Vassell’s f licked header deflected off David Watson and into the top corner. This sets the stage for an exciting second leg at the Jan Breydel Stadium next Thursday. The hosts nearly got off to a perfect start in torrential rain when Danny Armstrong appeared to be fouled in the box. Referee Martin Dohal pointed to the spot, but it was later confirmed that the ball had already gone out of play, calming the excitement. The high intensity, possibly aided by the slick surface, persisted throughout most of the first half but didn’t result in many clear-cut chances for Kilmar...

France 1 - 0 Belgium A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Belgium's expense. A game that had lacked quality and excitement for much of its duration seemed destined for extra time. However, a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Vertonghen with five minutes remaining, ultimately sealing a French victory at Düsseldorf Arena. There was a fantastic atmosphere before the match France had missed several opportunities before that, with their lack of finishing touch once again letting them down. Even captain Kylian Mbappe squandered chances that he would normally convert. Belgium nearly took the lead themselves before France's late goal. Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne charged into space through the middle, but his shot was pushed behind by Mike Maignan. That had been the underwhelming Belgians' only decent opportunity as France saw out the final few minutes to progress to the last eight, where they will ...

Ukraine 0 -  0 Belgium Belgium advanced to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 as group runners-up, while Ukraine bowed out of the competition after a goalless draw in Stuttgart. All four teams in Group E began the evening on equal points, each with a shot at progressing. Ukraine's chances were hampered by an inferior goal difference, meaning their fate hinged on the outcome of Slovakia's match against Romania, which ended 1-1. Despite limiting Belgium to few chances, Ukraine struggled to mount a consistent attacking threat until the latter stages of the game. Leicester City's Wout Faes stood out in Belgium's defence, making two crucial blocks late on to deny Artem Dovbyk a shot at goalkeeper Koen Casteels. With Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk injured, Roman Yaremchuk served as Ukraine's sporadic attacking outlet, while Ruslan Malinovskyi almost curled a corner past Casteels and inside the near post. Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne added a touch of class for Bel...

Belgium 2 - 0 Romania Kevin De Bruyne led Belgium to a crucial Euro 2024 victory with an exceptional performance in a thrilling match against Romania in Cologne. Belgium, under pressure in Group E after losing their first game to Slovakia, delivered an outstanding attacking display, proving why they are among the favourites in Germany. In a vibrant and colourful atmosphere, Youri Tielemans' low shot put Belgium ahead just 73 seconds into the game, setting the stage for numerous scoring opportunities. Belgium and De Bruyne were unstoppable. The Manchester City midfielder secured the victory with a close-range goal after 79 minutes, leaving Group E finely balanced with all four teams on three points each. Romelu Lukaku was unlucky to have a goal disallowed by the  Video Assistant Referee,  who ruled him offside from De Bruyne’s perfect pass. After the disappointing defeat to Slovakia, Belgium responded impressively in a lively and action-packed encounter on Saturday. Tiele...