The successful Sollied years and a tragic loss
2000 - 2009
A new century brings new league titles (2003, 2005) and cup victories (2002, 2004, 2007). Under coach Trond Sollied, Club becomes a machine that also makes its mark in the Champions League, including a 0-1 win against titleholder AC Milan. Timmy Simons wins the Golden Shoe in 2002. After Sollied's departure, Club faces turbulent times. The tragic death of François Sterchele in 2008 plunges the club into deep mourning.
Trond Sollied's Club Brugge races like an express train through the first half of the season. In the first round, Club wins sixteen of seventeen matches, but ultimately finishes in second place.
2000
"Millennium goal" by Andrés Mendoza against Sankt-Gallen
In the UEFA Cup, Club plays against Swiss side Sankt-Gallen on November 9, 2000, in the second round. Club seems eliminated until Andres Mendoza scores the equalizing 1-1 with a deflected left-footed shot in added time.
2003
Club stuns in San Siro with a world-class goal by Andrés Mendoza
Three years after his goal in Sankt-Gallen, Mendoza repeats his feat. This time not with a scrappy left-footed goal, but with a deliberate strike with that same left foot. On October 22, 2003, Club Brugge wins 0-1 in the Champions League at the home of AC Milan, the defending champion. Just like in 1990, goalkeeper Dany Verlinden plays a world-class match.
2003
Third time lucky for Trond Sollied
A year after the cup win against Excelsior Mouscron (3-1), Sollied's third season as coach is also successful in the league. On May 3, 2003, Club plays 1-1 at home against Sint-Truiden, enough for the twelfth league title.
2005
Second league title under Trond Sollied and missed chance for the double
Again, Club alternates between cup and league titles. In 2004, Club wins the Belgian Cup. In the final, it defeats SK Beveren 4-2. A year later, the thirteenth league title is secured. The title match on May 15, 2005, against Anderlecht is a real nail-biter. A 1-1 draw is enough for the championship. However, Club loses the cup final a few weeks later to Germinal Beerschot Antwerp (1-2) and misses the chance for the double.
2007
A necessary cup victory
Club Brugge finishes the 2006-2007 season in a disappointing sixth place. For the first time since 1993, Club risks missing out on European football. The Belgian Cup is the last lifeline. With coach Cedomir Janevski, Club reaches the final and defeats the strong Standard side of Michel Preud’homme 1-0, with a goal from Mannaseh Ishiaku. The tenth cup win is not only a jubilee, it is also much needed.
2008
The tragic death of François Sterchele plunges the entire Club family into deep mourning
On May 8, 2008, François Sterchele dies in a car accident. The Belgian football world and Club Brugge are in deep mourning. A few days later, Club Brugge plays the last league match against KVC Westerlo (4-0) in the Jan Breydelstadion. Before and after the match, the players carry a huge banner with Sterchele's portrait. In the 23rd minute, his name is chanted, something that still happens to this day. The number 23 will never again be assigned to a player.
