Belgian First Division: Club Brugge 5 Westerlo 0

Club Brugge opened their Belgian First Division campaign in emphatic fashion on Sunday, thrashing Westerlo 5-0.

Visitors Westerlo had held their hosts goalless during the first 45 minutes of the match at the Jan Breydel Stadion, but an own-goal from defender Wouter Corstjens six minutes into the second half opened the floodgates.

Spanish forward Victor Vazquez struck to double Brugge’s lead on 59 minutes before Westerlo’s task became harder when they lost right back Gunther Vanaudenaerde to a second yellow card three minutes past the hour mark.

Midfielder Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe was the next man to get in on the scoring act, netting Brugge’s third on 69 minutes and goals from substitute Thomas Meunier and defender Ryan Donk in the final 10 minutes sealed a comprehensive win for the home side.

The margin of victory sees Brugge move into first place ahead of champions Genk courtesy of their superior goal difference.

Westerlo meanwhile, who finished eighth last season, have the unwanted distinction of propping up the table after the opening weekend.