Club Brugge earn direct qualification into next year's UEFA Champions League after clinching Belgian Pro League

Club Brugge won their 19th Belgian league title during a thrilling last day of the campaign after a 0-0 draw versus local rival Cercle Brugge, after a spectacular reversal in fortunes throughout the playoffs.

Club Brugge came very near losing the title on Sunday after they conceded a goal with around 10 minutes remaining, only for the official to call it offside after a VAR check. Brugge, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Anderlecht all had a chance to win the title before the game began for the second year in a row. And for the second consecutive year, the Belgian Pro League used a helicopter to transport league CEO Lorin Parys. It was placed on standby, ready to descend at the final whistle to deliver the trophy. 

Brugge earned their fourth league championship over five years, finishing one point more than Union. Anderlecht finished third, four points behind the pace. Brugge met local rivals Cercle Brugge expecting that a draw was enough, having gained a three-point lead following an excellent playoff campaign in which the team went undefeated under manager Nicky Hayen.

He was appointed as a successor for Ronny Deila, who had been fired after just under a year in command following Club Brugge's 2-1 loss to STVV at the conclusion of their regular season in March. At that time, the club was 19 points below Union.

Club Brugge qualify for the UEFA Champions League 

The title winner will receive straight entry into the newly redesigned 36-team UEFA Champions League in September. Union will begin qualifying stages in August. Brugge can hope to earn at least twenty-five million euros ($27 million) through the prestigious group stage.

Hayen, who was in command of the club's reserve team, turned a struggling outfit into a winning machine, whereas Union and Anderlecht lost points. Club Brugge then took a crucial step towards the crown, opening up a three-point advantage at the top of the table with a 1-0 victory against Anderlecht last week.