For the second consecutive round of the UEFA Champions League, Sturm Graz find themselves in one of the least appealing matches of the day. Their next opponent is Club Brugge, who had a poor start to their European campaign at home against Borussia Dortmund (0:3) but still left a positive impression with their play.
The international break seemed to disrupt the setup for Sturm Graz. In September, the team managed only one win in four matches, beating modest Blau Weiss Linz away (2:1). During this period, the Austrian champions conceded eight goals in total and created merely 0.15 xG against 1.70 xGA in their away defeat to Stade Brestois (1:2). The team is dealing with four injuries, and key defender Dimitri Lavalée is suspended.
September was also challenging for Club Brugge, although there are fewer complaints about their performance. At home against Borussia Dortmund, they conceded three goals only in the last 20 minutes, remaining competitive in attack (1.56 xG). The coaching staff is unlikely to change Christos Tzolis' wide position, as he creates many attacking opportunities, and forward Gustaf Nilsson might be replaced in the starting lineup by Barcelona academy graduate Ferran Jutglà (8+6 in the last league season).
A match between evenly matched opponents will feature mutual defensive errors, but only Club Brugge will be able to capitalise on them. Sturm Graz do not yet seem ready for full competition in the premier European tournament. The Belgian side is currently in better form and they are likely to avoid defeat.
