Sporting is gearing up for a challenging week. Like last year, the Mauves have made it to the Croky Cup quarterfinals and will travel to Beerschot for the clash. Then on Sunday, they’ll host Club Brugge at home in another crucial fixture.
David Hubert: “I have full confidence in the players available.”
After last month’s victory over KVC Westerlo (4-1) at Lotto Park, the Mauves are in the quarterfinals of the Croky Cup. On Thursday evening, RSCA will head to ‘t Kiel, where they will aim to make up for the October defeat (2-1). Sporting won the return league match 2-1, claiming a 2-1 victory with goals from Yari Verschaeren and Anders Dreyer.
For Thursday’s game, David Hubert will be without Zanka and will also miss Jan Vertonghen for several weeks. “Tomorrow is an important match, and I have full confidence in the players available,” the coach stated during Wednesday’s press conference. “Sometimes you have to think outside the box, but we have several options. Only one thing matters tomorrow: advancing to the next round.”
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Cup victory at ‘t Kiel in 2019
This isn’t the first time RSCA and Beerschot cross paths in the Belgian Cup. The last encounter was in 2019 during the fifth round. At the Olympic Stadium, the Mauves defeated the Purple & Whites from Antwerp. The game ended 2-3, with goals from Samir Nasri and Isaac Kiese Thelin.
If Sporting defeats the “Rats,” they will face the winner of the Antwerp vs. defending champion Union match. This could set up either a high-stakes clash or a Brussels derby. Should RSCA reach the semifinals, the first leg is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, at 8:45 PM at the Lotto Park.
The ‘Topper’ in a sold-out Park
This Sunday, a big game in the league is scheduled. In a sold-out Lotto Park, the Mauves will host Club Brugge. Before the match, club legend Gille Van Binst—an icon of Belgian football who played for both RSCA and Club—will be honored. Still don’t have a ticket? Via RSCA Resale, season ticket holders unable to attend will release some of the best seats in the Park on Friday (10 AM).
