Gent went into the final day of the Belgian Pro League season knowing they just needed to beat already relegated KV Oostende to guarantee their place in the top four, and thus a likely chance at European football next season. However, the side appeared to still have a hangover from their 4-1 defeat to West Ham in London and struggled to make inroads against a team with nothing to play for.
When Fraser Hornby opened the scoring in the second half, Gent were suddenly facing an embarrassing loss in a game they just had to win. Hugo Cuypers managed to get the equaliser, but as the Buffaloes pushed they were punished by Oostende with Nick Batzner scoring the winner. With Club Brugge winning 7-0 against Eupen, Gent had to settle for fifth place and play-off two.
Gent must now come top of play-off two and hope that they will have a chance to play against the side who finish bottom of play-off one for European football. This is all dependent on the result of Antwerp against Mechelen in the cup final. If the Great Old beat Mechelen, then whoever wins play-off two will get European football without the need for a play-off against the side bottom of play-off one.
For Oostende, fans were given something to celebrate after a terrible season. However, questions must be asked as to why they could not show this fight and defensive discipline throughout the rest of the season.
GBeNeFNÂ |Â Ben Jackson
