Standard de Liège – KVC Westerlo

It’s going to be a nail-biter for KVC Westerlo. First, there is an away trip to Standard de Liège, followed by a home clash against KRC Genk. Two top fixtures that could prove decisive for the remainder of our Europe Play-offs. The first test takes place in Liège on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. A win would allow KVC Westerlo to keep the pressure on Genk.

KVC Westerlo

Last weekend, coach Charaï’s side secured a deserved 2–0 victory against Charleroi. Bayram converted from the penalty spot, while Ferri headed home the second goal. The standout performer? Goalkeeper Andreas Jungdal. With several excellent saves, he kept a clean sheet and earned praise from his coach: “This season, we have as many clean sheets in 31 matches as in the previous two seasons combined.”

Notably, KVC Westerlo have conceded 40 goals this season, but half of those came in the first 10 matches. The defensive improvement is therefore clear. Still, Charaï remains critical: “Our first fifteen minutes need to be better.” There is clear ambition within the squad. “Nine finals left, that European ticket is the goal,” said Jungdal. With 23 points, the Kemphanen currently share third place with Standard. Saturday’s clash is therefore crucial to stay in touch with leaders Genk.

Squad: Jungdal, Annell, Van Langendonck, Lapage, Nsiala, Sydorchuk, Patrão, Bohamdi-Kamoni, Sakamoto, Reynolds, Mbamba, Ourega, Gouré, Neustädter, Haspolat, Saito, Van den Keybus, Bayram, Piedfort, Alcocer, Ferri.

Standard de Liège

Standard claimed a 1–3 away victory at OH Leuven last weekend, thanks in part to two goals from Eckert Ayensa. It was their first play-off win since May 2021. Coach Vincent Euvrard will, however, have to cope without injured players Calut, Fossey and Teuma. There are no suspensions for the Rouches. Standard’s main threats come from Mortensen with his constant forward runs, Nielsen (2 goals, 2 assists), Eckert Ayensa (5 goals) and Saïd (5 goals, 3 assists).

Line-up last matchday (3-4-3): Pirard, Bates, Hautekiet, Homawoo, Mortensen, Ilaimaharitra, Nielsen, Lawrence, Saïd, Nkada, Abid.

The first leg

The previous encounter with Standard took place just three weeks ago and ended in a goalless 0–0 draw. Despite still having a slim chance of reaching the Champions’ Play-offs at the time, Standard showed little of that on the pitch. KVC Westerlo took control in the first half and looked the more dangerous side. Saito set up Alcócer with a clever backheel, but a Liège defender made a crucial block. In the 31st minute, Epolo produced a fine save to deny Ferri’s volley. Standard offered little before halftime, although Lawrence came close following a hesitant intervention from Jungdal.

After the break, the match slowed down significantly and clear chances were scarce. That changed fifteen minutes from time: a handball by Abid resulted in a penalty for KVC Westerlo — the perfect chance to make it 0–1. Captain Haspolat stepped up but struck too centrally, allowing Epolo to save and keep Standard in the game. Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but it was Standard who came closest. Once again, Jungdal stood firm with an excellent reflex save. The match ended 0–0.

Did you know…

• We have faced Standard 52 times: KVC Westerlo won 12 matches, drew 14, and lost 26.
• Since February 15, our Kemphanen have conceded only 3 goals, with Jungdal now topping the clean sheet rankings together with Scherpen (Union).
• Goalkeeper and key player Jungdal was not born in Denmark, but in Singapore.
• In the last 7 matches, our opponents have been caught offside a total of 42 times.