Belgian Pro League Matchweek 13 Review

‘It can’ Mick McCarthy once said when asked if Ipswich’s poor run of form could ‘go on like this’. The same can now be said of Dender, as after 13 Pro League matches they are still seeking that first win. Here is our review of round 13 in the Belgian Pro League.

Friday night action: Standard Liege come out on top in Walloon derby

Standard Liege were inspired by a man of the match performances from Rafiki Said in their 3-1 derby win over Charleroi. Mardochee Nzita was unfortunate to deflect the ball into his own net to give the home side the lead, although the Zebras did level through a fine Parfait Guiagon strike. Shortly after the break Said’s cross was turned in by Thomas Henry. Comoros international Said then grabbed himself a goal to seal an important win for Standard.

Saturday’s action: Winless Dender, Union and Club keep up the pace

Union St Gilloise continued to not miss a beat under David Hubert with a 4-1 win over Zulte Waregem at the Elindus Arena. Goals from Kevin Rodriguez, Marc Giger and Promise David secured the three points, with Giger also missing a penalty. Zulte Waregem’s top scorer Jeppe Erenbjerg did grab another goal for the season from the spot on the hour mark.

Dender put in a battling performance against Club Brugge in a 2-1 defeat at the Jan Breydel. However, they remain without a win in 13 games thanks to first half goals from Nicolo Tresoldi and Christos Tzolis. Mohamed Berte did get one back in injury time, but Hayk Milkon still searches for answers to the sides woes.

Besnik Hasi picked up three points for Anderlecht against his former side KV Mechelen on Saturday evening. Adriano Bertaccini gave the home side a 1-0 lead as the striker returned to the starting line-up. Mathis Servais grabbed one back for KV Mechelen following an assist from Bill antonio. Despite having more possession, the away side were undone by goals from Mihaljo Cvetkovic and the excellent Nilson Angulo. The winger is having a fantastic season so far for Anderlecht.

Sunday’s action: OHL on fire, late drama for RAAL and more trouble for Antwerp

Just one goal separate Westerlo and Genk in the Sunday lunctime kick off. Hyun-Gyu Oh was the scorer after an assist from Konstantinos Karetsas. Westerlo did manage 17 shots on goal but failed to convert any of them, meaning the side have now won just one game in their last five. For Genk, they remain unbeaten in their last five and may be slowly turning things around.

Gent conceded four for the second time this season when they were taken apart by OH Leuven. Felice Mazzu was in charge of his first Pro League game and saw a goal shy OH Leuven finally taking their chances. Youssef Maziz was in fine form as he provided the assist for Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi’s opening goal just after 30 minutes. Lukasz Kaomy made it two just before half time, with Roggerio Nyakossi adding a third just after the hour mark. Max Dean was brought on for Gent at half time and went on to miss a penalty in the 84th minute, just shortly after Henok Teklab had scored his first league goal for OH Leuven. Dean was then sent off for a bad foul on Mathieu Maertens late on, before proceeding to try and start a fight with a number of players.

Antwerp’s poor form continued with a 1-0 defeat away to Sint Truiden. Ryotaro Ito opened the scoring in the first half before Daam Foulon was sent off for the away side to really add insult to injury for the away side. Despite being down to 10 men, Antwerp were able to create some chances but failed to take them. Sint Truiden were unable to make their one man advantage count and will be relieved to not have been punished for this.

RAAL La Louviere took their few chances to grab a dramatic win over Cercle Brugge. Thierry Lutonda’s fantastic first half strike gave them the lead. Steve Ngoura missed a penalty for Cercle Brugge just before half-time when he tried a panenka which hit the bar. Emmanuel Kakou looked to have sparred Ngoura’s blushes with a injury time equaliser. However, his missed tackle allowed Jordi Liongola to find Maxime Pau just a minute later to earn RAAL all three points.

League Table