Hans Vanaken: "Happy that we have already taken ten points"
Captain Hans Vanaken produced a clearheaded analysis straight off the pitch. "We couldn't have started the match much worse, but our reaction was just good. Sporting had a lot of possession at first, but gradually we took over. We got into their half more and that worked out well. We did have some windfall with the equalizer, but I think overall they had pretty few chances. In the end we scored a great goal. That's how we take three important points here."
The fact that Nielsen scored the winner pleased Vanaken evern more. "It's very nice for Casper. He is someone who has always shown his commitment, both at training and in games. When you see how he came on today, you know he's going to bring something to the table. He's certainly done that now with his goal."
Is it all wrapped up for Club now? Is the dream of progressing coming true after this win. "Ten teams have to pass us to finish outside the first 24. Tomorrow night when everyone has played their games, we can take a closer look at it all. We are especially happy that we already have ten points right now with still two matches where we can get points," Hans Vanaken concluded.
Casper Nielsen: "Great feeling after my goal"
Match winner Casper Nielsen was satisfied with his goal, but more particularly with the all important three-point win. "It was a great feeling after the goal. That's what I play football for, to be able to play games like these. I love being on the pitch and always try and enjoy it as much as possible." The fact that Nielsen created the difference, just goes to whow how strong the group is. "We have the best squad in Belgium. There is a lot of cohesion in our selection, and we all have to be ready to play at every point. I think I have proven that now."
Club now holds ten points and that makes one dream of the Champions League Playoffs, though Nielsen remains both feet firmly on the ground. "I don't want to think ahead too much. Above all, we now have to enjoy this important victory. We are going to remember this for a long time, as we should." On a personal level, this winning goal and victory was extra special for the Dane. "I myself went through a very difficult period. I hope this is also a step forward in general. My family and I have had to go through a lot, but with the support from home I will get through it."
Maxim De Cuyper: "These are the nights we do it for"
After the final whistle, the joy was tremendous at Blauw-Zwart and certainly for Maxim De Cuyper. "This is amazing. A very exciting evening for us. These are also exactly the nights you do it all for. The ten points we have now should be enough." The win didn't exactly come in gift wrapping for Club, with Sporting a fiesty opponent. "It was a strange game, it really felt that way. By that I mean it could go either way. They may have had the most control of the game, and also scored that early goal, but after that we didn't really give much away and we take the win here." The turning point, according to De Cuyper, happened at the break: "At halftime we changed tack and that resulted in a good result. I'm glad it worked out."
Joaquin Seys: "Too crazy for words."
In a resounding atmosphere, Club Brugge took an important win against Sporting Clube de Portugal via a late goal from substitute Casper Nielsen. Joaquin Seys was therefore very relieved and particularly satisfied to speak to the assembled press : "This is too crazy for words , nobody expected this beforehand anyway", opened the born Oriental his argument. "In this new format we take our third win, these are dreams come true. The realization of what we are doing now has yet to come. But we can already be very proud. We got off to a chaotic start and had a difficult time in the opening stages. But we knew beforehand that the Portuguese national champion is a very fearsome opponent, as they proved in their home game against Manchester City. They are technically extremely strong, can often look for and find openings and free spaces. Still, I felt that after the early uppercut we were able to react quite quickly to turn the game around completely in the end. With, in addition, kudos to Gustaf Nilsson and Casper Nielsen who both filled in strongly. It is once again proof of how spacious and good our core is. However, this is not a luxury because we will need everyone this season. But at full strength we have proven once again that we are capable of a lot." When asked how he has experienced the past few months so far, the Bruges youth product was clear : "I am only 19 and it is my very first season at the very highest level. As a young guest you dream of one day entering the Champions League, so this is a dream come true." (MV)