Paris Brunner shines as Cercle Brugge beat Hearts in Conference League clash | OneFootball

Cercle Brugge grabbed a crucial three points in Europe as they beat Hearts 2-0 at home. Goals from Malamine Efekele and Gary Magnee were enough for the home side in a hard fought encounter against a Hearts side roared on by a fantastic travelling support. The win means that Cercle have won two, drawn one and lost one in the competition so far. With just two games to go, the side should be confident of making it to the next round of the competition.

While the game was scrappy at times, one player really stood out. On loan Monaco teenager Paris Brunner really grew into the game and it was clear by the end of the match that his confidence was high. The young forward, whose physicality caused Hearts problems all game, showed his technical ability as well and his eye for goal. Brunner was unlucky on a few occasions not to score but Cercle fans will take confidence from his performance. With Kevin Denkey set to depart for the MLS shortly, the side are looking for a striker to take his place.

Hearts will certainly feel that they should’ve taken a point from the game. With just under 10 minutes to go the side were rightly awarded a penalty. However, the sides top scorer from the past two seasons, Lawrence Shankland, missed the goal altogether. Many would have put a lot of money on the former Beerschot man finding the net from the spot and ending his goal drought.

Next up for Cercle in Europe will be a trip to the Slovenian capital to face Olimpija Ljubljana before hosting Istanbul Basaksehir at home. Hearts face a trickly trip to Denmark to face Copenhagen before welcoming CS Petrocub to Edinburgh.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson