Club Bruges edge ahead of RC Lens at half-time in UEFA Champions League tie

Club Bruges lead RC Lens 1-0 at half-time in their UEFA Champions League meeting at the Jan-Breydel Stadium on Wednesday, with Hans Vanaken scoring in first-half stoppage time.

The opening 45 minutes were played in heavy rain, with both sides enjoying spells of possession in a competitive contest.

Lens made the more assertive start, attempting to control the game through the initiative of Michael Cuisance and Saud Abdulhamid. The visitors looked to build their attacks and establish a foothold in the match.

Club Bruges gradually grew into the game and began to pose the greater threat. Carlos Forbs and Kyriani Sabbe were among those leading the Belgian side’s forward moves as the hosts increased the pressure on Lens.

The Sang et Or battled to contain that attacking momentum, but Club Bruges found the breakthrough just before the interval. Vanaken struck in the 45e+3 minute to give the home side the advantage.

Lens were further frustrated after Matthieu Udol was shown a yellow card in the 44th minute. He and his team-mates now need to respond after the break if they are to level the score.

Half-time: Club Bruges 1-0 RC Lens.