Champions League play-off draw: Manchester United to face Club Brugge - but who are they?

The Belgian side finished European Cup runners-up in 1979

James Orr
Friday 07 August 2015 13:36 BST
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Brugges manager Michel Preud'homme looks on from the touchline
Brugges manager Michel Preud'homme looks on from the touchline (GETTY IMAGES)

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Manchester United were handed the task of Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off after the draw was made today, a seemingly favorable draw as both Lazio and Monaco were in the hat.

Here we take an in-depth look at United's Belgian opponents...

How did they get on last season?

Brugge finished second in the Belgian Pro League last term, ending the Championship play-off stage place behind winners Gent.

In total they have won the Belgian top-flight 13 times, only Anderlecht have won more. They have, however, not won the league in 10 years - their last title triumph coming in 2005.

Stadium

Their home is the Jan Breydel Stadium, which has a capacity of 29,472.

Key player

Colombian left winger Jose Izquiredo scored 13 league goals last season.

Manager

Michel Preud'homme - the former Belgium international goalkeeper took the job in September 2013.

European pedigree

The club finished runners-up to Liverpool in the final of the European Cup in 1978, their best finish. Liverpool won the match 1-0 at Wembley Stadium thanks to Kenny Dalglish's 64th-minute strike.

Have they played before?

No. This will be the first competitive meeting between the sides.

The first legs will be played on August 18/19 and the second legs on August 25/26.

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