KAA Gent defender Brendan Burgess provoked notable reactions from Club Brugge fans after the league victory this weekend. The 24-year-old Englishman celebrated the 2-1 win in a manner that drew attention from the opposition, according to a report by MSN.
The win was crucial for the Buffaloes in their fight for European tickets. Gent currently sits fifth in the standings with 49 points, still in contention for Play-off I. Beating a direct rival like Club Brugge gives Wim De Decker's team a significant boost. The next test is the away match against Standard Liège, which you can find on our fixtures page.
What exactly did Burgess do after the match?
After the final whistle, Burgess posted footage of the dressing room celebration on social media. He directly addressed Club Brugge supporters in his posts. "This is for you," the defender reportedly said, according to the coverage. His actions led to a stream of reactions from Blauw-Zwart fans online, reigniting the rivalry between the two top clubs.
Burgess, who arrived last summer, has quickly developed into a mainstay in defence. He played the full ninety minutes and helped preserve a 2-0 lead after goals from his teammates. His physical presence and strength in duels were important in the closing stages.
How important was this victory for Gent?
The three points are vital in the intense battle for the top six. With a few matchdays remaining, every win can make the difference. The victory against Club Brugge, a direct competitor, has a double effect: it earns Gent points and denies them to a rival. The team showed character by holding onto a 2-0 lead under pressure.
Looking at the stats, it's notable that Gent has one of the better defences in the league. The team has conceded only 28 goals, a figure only bettered by the top three. In attack, they rely on multiple players, with Hugo Cuypers still the team's top scorer.
What does this mean for the rest of the season?
The win places Gent in a strong position for the final stretch. The focus is now entirely on securing a place in Play-off I. Every match is a final from here on out. The mood in the squad is positive, partly thanks to such important victories.
The coming weeks will be decisive. After Standard Liège, a home match against Union SG, another top club, awaits. The squad is reasonably fit, with only a few long-term absentees according to the injuries list. Coach De Decker has almost his entire core available for the final sprint.
KAA Gent's next official match is on Saturday, 12 September 2026 at 18:00 against Standard Liège at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne.
