Ivan Leko: "We can win without being top, that gives confidence"
After the hard-fought snow derby against Cercle, a relieved coach responded. "It was a difficult match, but it always is against them. They put a lot of pressure and make it difficult for everyone. In the first half we had a lot of ball possession, but we were too passive and created too little." Adjustments were made at halftime, with quick results through Tresoldi's 0-1. "We made some small adjustments that made the lines connect better. Before halftime we didn't find openings, after that things improved."
The heavy snow also played its part. "The weather made it difficult to play our game, but we fought for it. It wasn't our best game, but that just makes this win important." Then again, the tying goal fell unhappily out of the blue. "That was pure bad luck, but we got it over the line and I'm happy about that."
Looking ahead to Atletico Madrid, the coach remains combative. "Wednesday is psychologically different. Today we had a lot to lose, against Atletico we have more to gain. We are not afraid and we will go for our chances." Finally, he emphasized the confidence this victory gives: "We can win without being top, and that's important."
Nicolò Tresoldi: "Hopefully on to more goals."
Goalkeeper Tresoldi was satisfied with his match and the result achieved. "It was a crazy match. The weather didn't help with that. At halftime we discussed what needed to be better, and that helped in the second half."
Another goaltending for Tresoldi, who only needed one chance to do so. "One shot, one goal. That's very good. I'm especially happy that I scored again and was able to help the team that way. Hopefully more goals will follow."
Kyriani Sabbe: "We steer well at halftime."
Sabbe gave the assist for Forbs' goal and also played a strong game defensively, but remains critical of himself and the team. "I think we found solutions difficult. We addressed that at halftime by making good adjustments. In the second half, everything ran smoother, but then that from-scratch goal falls and it becomes exciting again."
On Wednesday, Club Brugge takes on Atlético Madrid at home in the knockout phase of the Champions League. That will be different cake. "Wednesday must be much better, but a derby is also never easy to play. We will have to raise our level if we want to put in a strong performance then."