Club Brugge and Barcelona Share the Spoils in a Six-Goal Champions League Thriller

article image credits: Lamine Yamal scores Barcelona’s second goal in the 3-3 draw against Club Brugge. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters - source: theguardian.com (link)

A night of dazzling goals, defensive lapses, and VAR drama at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

It was a Champions League clash that had everything: goals, controversy, and flashes of brilliance from some of Europe’s most exciting talents. Club Brugge and Barcelona delivered a remarkable 3–3 draw in Bruges, leaving both sides with mixed feelings after an unforgettable night.

Early Fireworks in Bruges

The Belgian champions stunned the visitors within six minutes when Carlos Forbs raced down the right flank and set up Nicolo Tresoldi for the opener. But Barcelona hit back almost immediately — Ferran Torres calmly finished from Fermin López’s cross to level the score.

Barcelona came close to taking the lead when López’s curling effort struck the post, but the hosts’ pacey counterattacks soon punished them again. Brugge exploited Barça’s dangerously high defensive line, with Christos Tzolis feeding Forbs, who slotted home to make it 2–1.

The Catalans kept pushing, hitting the woodwork twice more — first through Jules Koundé, then Eric García, whose long-range strike rattled the crossbar. Their persistence finally paid off when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal produced a moment of pure magic: weaving through defenders, exchanging a quick one-two with Dani Olmo, and finishing coolly to bring Barcelona level again.

Club Brugge 3-3 FC Barcelona!

More Drama and VAR Chaos

Forbs, who joined Brugge from Ajax after a goalless loan spell with Wolves, enjoyed the night of his career. He restored Brugge’s lead for the third time, latching onto Hans Vanaken’s through ball and deftly clipping his finish past Wojciech Szczęsny to complete his brace.

Moments later, Brugge thought they could finally seal the win when referee Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty for Alejandro Balde’s challenge on Forbs. But after a VAR review, the decision was overturned — a turning point that kept Barcelona alive.

The Spanish giants took full advantage. Yamal’s dangerous cross deflected off Joaquín Seys and into his own net, handing Barcelona their third equaliser of the night.

Just when the drama seemed over, Brugge fans thought they had their moment of glory. Deep into stoppage time, Romeo Vermant slid in to challenge Szczęsny, stole the ball, and scored into an empty net — but VAR once again intervened. Taylor ruled that Vermant had fouled the goalkeeper, disallowing the goal and preserving a point for Barcelona.

Reactions and Reflections

For Brugge, it was a performance filled with pride and frustration in equal measure. Having led three times and seen a potential winner ruled out, they left the pitch knowing they had gone toe-to-toe with one of Europe’s giants. “It was a magical night,” said Forbs after the match. “We deserved to win. The plan was clear — use our pace against their high line — and it worked. My first Champions League goals against Barcelona… I can’t complain.”

Barcelona, on the other hand, showed resilience but also defensive fragility. Manager Hansi Flick admitted his team had work to do: “It was too easy to score against us. We had a lot of possession but not enough pressure or confidence. It’s only November — there’s a long road ahead.”

Statistically, the game could hardly have been more balanced, with both sides registering an identical expected goals (xG) of 2.14. The draw leaves Barcelona on seven points and Brugge on four after four group-stage matches.

A Night That Captured the Spirit of the Champions League

For the neutral, this was Champions League football at its finest — thrilling, unpredictable, and full of youthful energy. Forbs’ blistering counters and Yamal’s Messi-like brilliance provided a glimpse into the future of European football.

As both teams look ahead to the next round, they’ll take valuable lessons from this extraordinary contest. Brugge proved they can match Europe’s elite, while Barcelona were reminded that possession means little without precision and balance.

In the end, it was a result that pleased everyone… and no one — but one that fans across the continent will remember for years to come.

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