Leko bets on the Bruges side's courage against Inter in Milan

Club Brugge faces Inter Milan tonight at 21 h00 at the San Siro, second matchday of the Champions League, aiming to pick up their first points after a defeat to Aston Villa. Croatian coach Ivan Leko said he knows “one of the best teams in Europe”, highlighting the challenge that Inter represents.

Challenges and ambitions of both clubs

The Bruges side, beaten by Aston Villa on the first matchday, are looking to reverse the trend, just like Inter, which lost its opening match against Real Madrid (2‑1). Leko stresses the need for “courage and intelligence” to compete and get a result, recalling the strong second half against Aston Villa.

Leko’s tactical analysis

According to Leko, Inter’s 3‑5‑2 system has been the best in Europe for the past five or six years, dominating the Italian league and often leading to a Champions League final. He hopes to exploit the weaknesses of this setup and see his players play with the same mastery as in Belgium.

The coach added that to win, his team must be at 120 % while the opponent would be only at 70 %, with his goalkeeper making five decisive saves and his striker scoring unexpectedly.

Inter await Brugge: Leko's plan: realistic Champions League challenge

Goalkeeper Carlos Forbs, who left injured at La Louvière (1‑4) in the league on Saturday, traveled to Milan. Leko considered his participation in training encouraging, hoping he will be fit for the match.

A historic duel

This will be the first official meeting between the two clubs in 45 years, their only previous encounters being friendlies in Japan in June 1981, including a 2‑0 win for Bruges. Inter, which has won its last four European clashes against Belgian sides, aims to continue that run, especially after a 4‑0 victory over Union Saint‑Gilloise.

The match carries particular importance, each point counting towards qualification for the knockout phase. Bruges therefore hopes to record a benchmark result at the San Siro.

Club Brugge, the Blue and Black, on track in Europe for the Club World Cup

Photo © News Ivan Leko