Yahoo Sports Belgian Pro League Match Week Six Review
Match week six in the Belgian Pro League saw all teams back in action after European qualification was wrapped up. Sunday saw two derbies and there was plenty of entertainment elsewhere across the league, with an unlikely side topping the table.
Genk 1-0 Westerlo
Genk left it late on Friday to overcome a Westerlo side that, after three wins to open the season, have gone three without a victory. New signing Nikolas Sattlberger announced himself to his new side with a debut goal, although he was certainly helped by some sloppy goalkeeping from Westerlo’s veteran goalkeeper Sinan Bolat. While Westerlo are sliding out of form, Genk have now won three games in a row.
KV Mechelen 5-2 Charleroi
Nicolas Storm was a loss for Mechelen last season with injury, but he looks back to his best now. The winger grabbed two goals, with Kevin Mrabti, Rob Schoofs and new signing Benito Raman finding the net as well. Dan Heymans continued to score for Charleroi, with Parfait Guiagon having made it 2-2 in the 40th minute. Charleroi’s inconsistent start to the season continues, while Mechelen have put together back to back wins after not winning in their opening four matches.
Beerschot 1-2 Dender
Dender are the surprise package this season, with this win propelling them into first place in the league. The battle of the newly promoted sides was won within the opening 12 minutes, as defender David Hrncar scored early before Bruny Nsimba’s penalty made it 2-0. Herve Matthys scored from the spot for the home side but they remain with just one point from six matches. Pressure is certainly mounting on Dirk Kuyt.
OH Leuven 2-0 Standard Liege
Certainly a deserved win for OH Leuven who dominated with the ball and chances. Standard ended the game with a 0.34 xG and even that seemed generous. Konan N’Dri, a surprise choice upfront this season opened the scoring, with Takuma Ominami heading in from a Youssef Maziz corner in the second half. There will be slight concerns for the home side after Siebe Schrijvers had to go off after just six minutes. Leuven remain unbeaten this season while, despite their struggles upfront, this is only Standard’s second loss this season.
Club Brugge 3-0 Cercle Brugge
Club were dominant in the Brugge derby to end a series of draws between the sides. They ended with an xG of 3.39 and were good value for their win. Brandon Mechele, Christos Tzolis and Andreas Skov Olsen all scored for the home side. Club are now on a three game winning streak after a poor start to the season. Cercle will now be able to get some rest during the international break after going through European qualification.
Gent 1-1 Antwerp
Andri Gudjohnsen was the frustrated man in Gent this weekend after he saw his penalty saved by Antwerp’s Senne Lammens. First half goals from Sven Kums for Gent and Tjaronn Chery for Antwerp meant the sides were level when Gudjohnsen missed from the spot. Gent remain unbeaten in all competitions for five games now, while Antwerp are yet to win in three since dismantling Sint Truiden.
Union St Gilloise 0-0 Anderlecht
Certainly not the worst 0-0 ever seen, but a frustrating one for both sides. Union had far more chances but were unable to convert, something that could not be said of them in recent years. Kevin Rodriguez missed penalty after 22 minutes will also be a source of frustration for the home side. They are now unbeaten in three, while Anderlecht remain unbeaten to start the season, however fans are not convinced that this is due to a strong squad and playing style.
Kortrijk 1-1 Sint Truiden
The Canaries are still searching for a first win and looked like they might get it here after Adriano Bertaccini made it 1-0 after just 10 minutes. However, Jaoa Silva equalised just after half-time and neither side was then able to make another break through. Kortrijk will be frustrated not to beat the winless Sint Truiden at home, while there is already pressure mounting on the away sides head coach Christian Lattanzio after another week without three points.
