Earning points against a team that hasn’t lost in 2024, that was the task for our Kemphanen. Host KVM has emerged as a team in form in recent weeks and even fought vigorously on the penultimate matchday for a coveted Champions’ Play-Offs ticket. On the Westerlo side, earning points could provide the necessary breathing room with an eye on the Relegation Play-Offs.

KVC Westerlo Line-up: S. Bolat, J. Bos, D. Haspolat, N. Madsen, M. Frigan (46′ R. Vermant), G. Yow (78′ K. Vaesen), B. Reynolds, R. Neustädter, T. Van Den Keybus (46′ A. Sayyadmanesh), E. Bayram (86′ R. Tagir), A. Piedfort

First half

Not able to contribute to that extra breathing room was Nacer Chadli. The former international got injured in the warm-up and was replaced last-minute by Thomas Van Den Keybus. He watched from the pitch as KVM immediately took control of the match. In less than two minutes, Mrabti already threatened Bolat’s goal, but the Turkish goalkeeper averted the danger.

Two minutes later, it wasn’t the goalkeeper but the woodwork that kept Westerlo in the game after a cross from Pflücke hit the post.

However, it proved to be only a temporary reprieve, as shortly afterward, the score became 1-0. A cross from Schoofs found Mrabti at the far post, who volleyed the ball into the net.

The early goal served as a wake-up call for our Kemphanen. A few minutes after the 1-0, Frigan came close to equalizing, but his shot from close range was saved by KVM-goalkeeper Coucke.

The lively opening quarter-hour had a quieter continuation in the first half. Approaching halftime, Yow tried to inject some energy back into the game, but once again, it was KVM who seized the momentum. Mrabti – once again – doubled the lead. Thus, we entered halftime trailing by two goals in the City of Mechelen.

Second half

In search of a goal, coach De Mil introduced Vermant and Sayyadmanesh at halftime. With them, the Kemphanen started the second half enthusiastically, leading to a first big chance just before the hour mark. Yow found himself in a scoring position after a defensive mistake by the home side, but the American failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

Westerlo continued to search for a consolation goal, but what seemed elusive for our Kemphanen was achieved by Patrick Pflücke. With 20 minutes left on the clock, he dashed Westerlo’s last hopes in this match with the 3-0.

A resilient KVCW continued to push, and in the dying moments, they finally got their deserved consolation goal. With a rocket from more than 20 meters out, Jordan Bos provided a (beautiful) consolation, but the three points ultimately stayed in the city on the Dyle.

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