Cercle Brugge vs. Jagiellonia Bialystok prediction, betting tips

The upcoming UEFA Europa Conference League clash between Cercle Brugge and Jagiellonia Białystok is set to be an intriguing encounter. Scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, Belgium, this match marks the second leg of their Round of 16 tie. In the first leg, Jagiellonia Białystok secured a commanding 3-0 victory, giving them a significant advantage heading into this fixture.

Team Overviews

Cercle Brugge

Cercle Brugge currently holds the 8th position in their domestic league. Their top scorer this season is Kévin Denkey, who has netted four goals. In terms of player ratings, Gary Magnee leads with a rating of 7.8, followed by Kévin Denkey at 7.6 and Kazeem Olaigbe at 7.24. Disciplinary records show that Cercle Brugge has accumulated 13 yellow cards and two red cards this season. They average 4.86 corners per match and maintain a possession rate of 43.71%.

Jagiellonia Białystok

Jagiellonia Białystok is positioned 9th in their domestic league standings. Jesús Imaz stands out as their top performer with four assists this season. Player ratings highlight Afimico Pululu and Jesús Imaz, both with a rating of 7.46, and Michal Sáček at 7.21. The team has received 19 yellow cards and one red card this season. They average 3.11 corners per match and have a possession rate of 46.78%.

Recent Form and Performance

Cercle Brugge

In their recent fixtures, Cercle Brugge has struggled to find form. They are currently on a six-match winless streak, with their last victory coming against Hearts on November 28, 2024. Their recent matches include a 1-1 draw against İstanbul Başakşehir and a 0-0 draw against LASK Linz.

Jagiellonia Białystok

Jagiellonia Białystok enters this match with a strong run of form. They have won three of their last five matches across all competitions, including a 3-1 victory against Bačka Topola on February 20, 2025. Their only recent setback was a 3-1 away loss to Legia Warsaw.

Head-to-Head Record

The first leg of this Round of 16 tie marked the inaugural meeting between these two clubs. Jagiellonia Białystok emerged victorious with a 3-0 win, dominating possession with 54% compared to Cercle Brugge’s 46%. They also had a higher expected goals count of 2.16, while Cercle Brugge recorded 0.77.

Key Players to Watch

Cercle Brugge

• Kévin Denkey: As the team’s leading scorer, Denkey’s ability to find the back of the net will be crucial if Cercle Brugge aims to overturn the deficit.
• Gary Magnee: With the highest player rating in the squad, Magnee’s performance in defense will be vital to keep Jagiellonia’s attackers at bay.

Jagiellonia Białystok

• Jesús Imaz: Leading the team in assists, Imaz’s playmaking abilities can create significant opportunities for his teammates.
• Afimico Pululu: With a strong player rating, Pululu’s presence in the midfield can dictate the tempo of the game.

Betting Odds and Tips

Considering the first-leg result and current form, Jagiellonia Białystok enters this match as the favorites. However, playing away from home may present challenges. For those considering betting options, a Double Chance bet on Jagiellonia Białystok to win or draw could be a prudent choice, given their strong position and recent performances.

Match Prediction

Cercle Brugge faces an uphill battle to overturn a three-goal deficit. While home advantage may provide some impetus, Jagiellonia Białystok’s current form and the cushion from the first leg make them likely to progress. A predicted scoreline for this match could be a 1-1 draw, allowing Jagiellonia Białystok to advance on aggregate.

Conclusion

The second leg between Cercle Brugge and Jagiellonia Białystok promises to be an engaging contest. While Cercle Brugge will aim to mount a comeback on home soil, Jagiellonia Białystok’s solid form and substantial first-leg advantage position them favorably to progress to the next round of the UEFA Europa Conference League.