In an International Club Friendly played on July 24, 2026, Belgian side Club NXT earned an impressive 3-0 win over Oud-Heverlee Leuven at a neutral venue. Despite the friendly nature of the fixture, both sides approached the game with intensity, and Club NXT’s young squad put on a show of attacking flair and defensive discipline.

Match Overview

Club NXT, the reserve team of Club Brugge, used the match as preparation for their upcoming season in the Belgian Challenger Pro League. They faced an Oud-Heverlee Leuven (OHL) side that competes in the Belgian Pro League. The gulf in division level was not apparent on the pitch, as Club NXT dominated from start to finish, scoring two goals in the first half and adding a third after the break.

Key Moments

• First Goal (14th minute): An intricate passing move through the middle ended with midfielder Thibo Somers slotting home from 10 yards after a clever backheel assist.
• Second Goal (33rd minute): Winger Cisse Sandra cut in from the left and curled a beautiful shot into the far corner, leaving the OHL goalkeeper rooted.
• Third Goal (71st minute): Substitute forward Romeo Vermant latched onto a long ball, outpaced the OHL defense, and chipped the keeper elegantly to complete the scoring.

Tactical Story

Club NXT deployed a fluid 4-3-3, with the front three interchanging positions regularly. This movement caused constant confusion in the OHL backline. Oud-Heverlee Leuven started with a 4-2-3-1 but struggled to cope with the high press of the younger side. When OHL tried to build from the back, Club NXT’s forwards closed down quickly, forcing errors. The visitors' best chances came from set pieces, but they lacked the cutting edge in open play. Club NXT’s defensive line, marshaled by experienced centre-back Jorne Spileers, remained organised throughout.

Standout Performers

• Cisse Sandra (Club NXT): The young winger was a constant menace, scoring a stunning goal and providing an assist. His dribbling and creativity stood out.
• Thibo Somers (Club NXT): The midfielder controlled the tempo and opened the scoring with a well-taken finish.
• Romeo Vermant (Club NXT): The substitute made an immediate impact with a composed chip, showcasing his potential for the upcoming season.

Match Significance

Although a friendly, this result will boost confidence in the Club NXT camp as they fine-tune their preparations for the new campaign. Oud-Heverlee Leuven will be disappointed with the performance but can use the match as a learning exercise against a motivated opponent. For neutral fans, the game offered a glimpse of the young talents emerging from the Club Brugge academy.