The 2025 Belgian Cup final, named Croky Cup after the sponsor, was the 70th Belgian Cup final. It was played on 4 May 2025 between rivals Club Brugge and Anderlecht.
Route to the final
Club BruggeAnderlechtOpponentResultScorersRoundOpponentResultScorersBelisia Bilzen (III)6–1 (H)Jutglà (2), Romero, Nilsson, Meijer, SkóraśSeventh roundTubize-Braine (III)4–0 (A)Dreyer (pen.), Dolberg (3)Patro Eisden Maasmechelen (II)3–1 (A)Nielsen, Vanaken, JashariEighth roundWesterlo (I)4–1 (H)Jørgensen, Dolberg (2), N'DiayeOH Leuven (I)3–0 (H)Tzolis (2), Skóraś (pen.)Quarter-finalsBeerschot (I)1–0 (A)SimićGenk (I)2–1 (H), 1–1 (A) (3–2 agg.)Ordóñez, Tzolis (pen.); OrdóñezSemi-finalsAntwerp (I)1–0 (H); 2–2 (A) (3–2 agg.)Degreef; Verschaeren, Dendoncker
Pre-match Going into the match, both clubs were looking to finally win the cup again after many years of struggling, Anderlecht winning last in 2008, Club Brugge in 2015, with that last final against Anderlecht ending dramatically with two goals at the very end.
Contrary to their shared drought in a cup, Club Brugge had been winning titles recently and had won 4 out of the last 5 league seasons, while Anderlecht had been without any trophy since 2017, putting more pressure on the Brussels' based club. On the other hand, Club Brugge was in a fierce battle for the title, with Union SG one point ahead with just three games to go, while Anderlecht was certain they would most likely finish fourth which would still grant them European football irrespective of the result of the cup final, and could focus nearly fully on the cup.
The winner of the match qualified for the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League play-off round, but due to the league standings going into the match this was of lesser importance: with Club Brugge certain of finishing top three (and most likely top two) they were looking to qualify for (the qualifying rounds of) the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, which would mean the ticket for the UEFA Europa League play-off round would be passed along to the third-placed team in the league. With Anderlecht in fourth, eight points ahead of fifth place Antwerp with three league matches to go, this meant that most likely Anderlecht would either qualify for the play-off round (as winners) or second qualifying round (if loses).
Match Summary In the first minute Ferran Jutglà missed a huge chance for Club Brugge after which the match dulled down: Anderlecht was waiting for Club Brugge to slip up and counter, but the latter also didn't show much, with both teams not fielding key players as Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht) and Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge) were both on the bench not being 100% recovered after recent injuries to start the match. With thirty minutes played Thorgan Hazard showed eagerness but without concrete chances coming from it. Just before halftime, Hugo Siquet (who started the match only because Kyriani Sabbe got injured during the warming-up) was given too much space to deliver a perfect assist for Romeo Vermant at the far post as he tapped in the opening goal.
Five minutes into the second half, the ball hit Hans Vanaken's arm in the penalty area, but both referee Jasper Vergoote as well as the VAR did not deem it worth of a penalty kick. On the hour mark Club Brugge doubled their lead with their first chance of the second half, again Vermant scoring, now acting quicker than his opponent and on assist of Christos Tzolis. Anderlecht subbed in Vertonghen, had a chance to score the 2–1 but Hans Vanaken cleared off the line and ultimately did score the 2–1 only in minute 91 through Luis Vázquez after Samuel Edozie dribbled past three Club Brugge players in the penalty box. A second penalty appeal after that was also denied, keeping the score at 2–1, allowing Club Brugge to win its 12th Belgian Cup.
Details
GK 29 Nordin Jackers RB 41 Hugo Siquet CB 4 Joel Ordóñez CB 44 Brandon MecheleLB 55 Maxim De Cuyper CM 15 Raphael Onyedika CM 30 Ardon JashariRW 8 Christos TzolisAM 20 Hans Vanaken (c) LW 9 Ferran Jutglà CF 17 Romeo Vermant Substitutes:GK 22 Simon MignoletGK 71 Axl De CorteDF 2 Zaid RomeroDF 14 Bjorn Meijer DF 58 Jorne SpileersMF 10 Hugo Vetlesen MF 27 Casper Nielsen MF 62 Lynnt AudoorFW 19 Gustaf Nilsson FW 21 Michał SkóraśFW 68 Chemsdine Talbi Manager: Nicky Hayen GK 26 Colin Coosemans (c)CB 79 Ali Maamar CB 3 Lucas Hey CB 4 Jan-Carlo SimićRWB21 César Huerta LWB5 Moussa N'Diaye RM 11 Thorgan HazardCM 32 Leander DendonckerCM 10 Yari Verschaeren LM 27 Samuel EdozieCF 12 Kasper DolbergSubstitutes:GK 16 Mads KikkenborgDF 6 Ludwig AugustinssonDF 14 Jan Vertonghen DF 34 AdryelsonMF 17 Théo LeoniMF 18 Majeed AshimeruMF 23 Mats RitsMF 29 Mario Stroeykens MF 74 Nathan De CatFW 19 Nilson Angulo FW 20 Luis Vázquez FW 42 Keisuke GotōManager: Besnik Hasi
Match rules 90 minutes. 30 minutes of extra time if necessary. Penalty shoot-out if scores still level. Twelve named substitutes. Maximum of five substitutions.
See also Clashes in Brussels on May 4 and 5, 2025
References
External links