Cercle Bruges striker Kevin Denkey delivered an extraordinary performance in the Europa Conference League, scoring a hat-trick and assisting twice in his team’s dominant 6-2 victory over St. Gallen on Thursday. The Togolese international’s display not only sealed an emphatic win for Bruges on the first day of the group stages, but also secured his place in the competition’s history books.
Denkey, who has been in electric form recently, was involved in five of Cercle Bruges’ six goals, showcasing his versatility and attacking prowess.
His contribution started as early as the third minute when he provided the assist for Alan Minda’s opener.
After a swift and incisive pass from Denkey, Minda found the back of the net, setting the tone for a thrilling evening.
Shortly after, Denkey took matters into his own hands, scoring Bruges’ second goal in the 25th minute with a calm finish.
The 22-year-old’s influence only grew as the game progressed.
Just before half-time, in the 43rd minute, Denkey struck again, extending his side’s lead and leaving St. Gallen scrambling to respond.
His third goal, completing the hat-trick, came from the penalty spot in the 54th minute, as he coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, securing his treble.
Denkey’s masterclass didn’t stop at his own goals. The forward continued to torment the St. Gallen defense, providing his second assist of the match for Garry Magnée’s 68th-minute strike.
With his team comfortably leading 6-2, Denkey was substituted in the 74th minute, having more than made his mark on the game.
Opta reports confirmed that Denkey became only the second player in Europa Conference League history to be involved in five goals in a single match, following in the footsteps of Erik Botheim, who achieved the feat with Bodø/Glimt in October 2021.
This remarkable achievement has further solidified Denkey’s status as one of the most exciting players to watch in the competition this season.
Kevin Denkey hat-trick 🎩#UECL pic.twitter.com/fvtkA33aLX
— UEFA Conference League (@europacnfleague) October 3, 2024
Speaking after the match, Cercle Bruges’ coach praised Denkey’s performance, highlighting the Togolese striker’s consistency and hunger for goals.
“Kevin has been in incredible form, not just in this match but over the last few weeks.
His ability to both score and create opportunities for others makes him a vital part of our team,” the coach remarked.
Denkey’s hat-trick also follows an impressive domestic run, where he had already netted three times in his last two league outings, further emphasizing his red-hot form.
As Cercle Bruges look ahead to their next Europa Conference League fixtures, all eyes will be on Denkey, who continues to prove himself as one of the standout players in European football this season.
With performances like this, it’s no wonder Denkey is drawing attention from across the football world.
For the moment, however, his focus will be on maintaining his momentum and helping Cercle Bruges in their quest for European glory.
5 – @cercleofficial‘s Kévin Denkey (3 goals, 2 assists) is just the second player to ever be involved in five goals in a single @europacnfleague match, after Erik Botheim for Bodø/Glimt in October 2021. Handful. pic.twitter.com/MqXlm6z3eN
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) October 3, 2024
