Spanish-speaking armada does it for Bruges

Club Brugge, put forward as Anderlecht's biggest title challengers, travelled to the Waasland area (close to Antwerp) for their first match. They struggled in the first half against a well-organised Waasland-Beveren, but the Spanish-speaking armada made the difference for the Bruges team.

The visitors started dominating play after the break with Spanish playmaker Victor Vazquez in the team. Chile striker Nicolas Castillo (photo) headed home the first Bruges goal on 50 minutes, with Costa Rican defender Oscar Duarte sealing it for FC Bruges 12 minutes from time. Duarte scored almost in the same way as he did at the Brazil World Cup for Costa Rica, from close range (0-2). First match, first win, a big relief for Bruges coach Michel Preud'homme. 

Newly-promoted Westerlo stunned Cup winners Lokeren, 1-0.  Belgian midfielder Maxime Annys scored the only goal of the match. Two ambitious teams did not have the start they dreamed of: AA Gent were held to a goalless draw at Cercle Brugge, while Ostend lost in Lierse, 2-0.