Belgium Beat Turkiye 3-0 as Kevin De Bruyne Scores Twice in Nations League

Belgium returned to winning form in the Nations League with a convincing 3-0 victory over Turkiye, as Kevin De Bruyne delivered a standout performance with two excellent goals.

The midfielder scored once in each half at Stade Maurice Dufrasne before substitute Romelu Lukaku added a third in the closing stages. The result also gave head coach Mark van Bommel his first home victory since taking charge of Belgium.

De Bruyne Gives Belgium Early Lead

Belgium needed only 10 minutes to open the scoring.

De Bruyne combined with Dodi Lukebakio before finding space inside the Turkiye penalty area. The midfielder then squeezed his finish through Abdulkerim Bardakci's legs and placed the ball into the bottom-right corner.

Turkiye responded with opportunities of their own, but Belgium remained dangerous on the counter.

Lukebakio came close to doubling the advantage when his powerful effort was pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. At the other end, Turkiye missed a major opportunity when Merih Demiral sent a low cross from Celik over the bar from close range.

Belgium Survive Turkiye Pressure

The visitors continued to create chances after the break.

Lukebakio struck the woodwork again early in the second half, while Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced an important save to deny Yunus Akgun.

Belgium soon punished Turkiye for their missed opportunities.

Youri Tielemans recovered possession outside the penalty area before setting up De Bruyne. The midfielder produced another moment of individual brilliance, curling a long-range effort into the top-left corner to put Belgium 2-0 ahead.

The goal gave the hosts greater control of the match and put them within reach of a comfortable victory.

Lukaku Completes the Win

Belgium sealed all three points in the 76th minute.

Charles De Ketelaere delivered a low ball across the penalty area, allowing Romelu Lukaku to finish from close range and make it 3-0.

Turkiye pushed forward in search of a consolation goal during the final stages, but Belgium's defense held firm to preserve the clean sheet.

De Bruyne and Lukaku Lead Belgium's New Era

Van Bommel's arrival represents the beginning of a new chapter for Belgian football, with younger players such as Mika Godts and Lukebakio increasingly featuring under the new manager.

However, against Turkiye, Belgium's experienced stars were decisive.

De Bruyne's two goals were particularly impressive considering the quality of the chances he converted. Belgium finished with 1.24 expected goals compared with Turkiye's 1.33, yet De Bruyne's goals were valued at only 0.17 xG combined, underlining the quality of his finishing.

The midfielder also created three chances and won five of his 10 duels before being substituted in the 82nd minute. Only Godts, who created four chances, registered more for Belgium.

Turkiye Left to Regret Missed Opportunities

Turkiye once again struggled to turn promising situations into goals.

Despite producing an xG figure higher than Belgium's, the visitors could not capitalize on their opportunities. Arda Guler was particularly influential in creating openings, producing a match-high five chances.

The inability to finish chances proved costly as Belgium's clinical attacking play ultimately decided the contest.

Belgium's 3-0 victory provides a strong result for Van Bommel as he continues to establish his approach with the national team.

De Bruyne's two outstanding finishes and Lukaku's late goal secured the win, while Belgium's defense managed to withstand Turkiye's pressure and claim a clean sheet.

For Turkiye, the defeat once again highlighted the importance of converting chances, as their inability to capitalize on opportunities left them empty-handed despite creating enough openings to trouble the hosts.