Yellow-blue against yellow-blue, that was the fixture for the penultimate home game of the Europe Play-Offs. Both teams could look back on a commendable performance in the previous matchday and aimed to turn those performances into points. Who came out on top in ’t Kuipje?

KVC Westerlo lineup: S. Bolat, J. Bos, N. Madsen (88′ K. Borys), S. Sydorchuk, G. Yow (79′ A. Sayyadmanesh), R. Tagir, R. Neustädter, A. Piedfort, L. Stassin (78′ M. Frigan), J. Alcocer (88′ T. Rommens)

First half

In the opening stages, the Canaries showed the most eagerness. In less than 10 minutes, Bertaccini made his first attempt on Bolat’s goal, but the shot from the Truiden forward missed the target.

However, from outside the box, the visitors had more luck two minutes later. A shot from Ito left Bolat helpless, giving an early lead of 0-1 to the visitors.

The opening goal woke up our Kemphanen. After dribbling past two opponents, Alcocer created a big chance for Westerlo.

Alcocer’s dribble inspired Jordan Bos to take a stroll through the Truiden defense. After a splendid slalom, the Australian international struck magnificently with his ‘weaker’ right foot to equalize with a phenomenal goal.

Westerlo took more control and came close to 2-1 just before halftime, but a leg swipe from Suzuki on a shot from Piedfort ensured that we went into halftime with a level score.

Second half

As quickly as STVV scored in the first half, our Kemphanen found the back of the net shortly after halftime. A long ball from Sydrochuk was delivered perfectly to Stassin by Yow, who gratefully accepted the assist from the American.

The game went back and forth, but clear-cut chances were scarce. Until 20 minutes before the end when Bertaccini suddenly emerged in front of Bolat. Unlike in the first half, the small striker now cleverly dribbled around the Turkish goalie to level the score once again.

With some substitutions, both coaches tried to tilt the game in their favor, but despite a hefty amount of added time, goals remained elusive in ’t Kuipje, leaving both teams content with one point.

Report: Glen Van Herck
Photos: Peter De Voecht/Photo News