Eupen’s story in the first division of Belgian professional football has ended after eight seasons. The East Cantoners lost 1-0 on the field to competitor KV Kortrijk, which still has a chance to save themselves.
Nobody cared about KV Kortrijk’s chances in the Relegation Play-offs, but KVK is participating again. Especially after RWDM’s loss yesterday at home against Charleroi, because that defeat of the Brussels team meant that Kortrijk had opportunities against Eupen.
However, the Kortrijk fans did not see the start they had hoped for. KVK was even shocked early in the match after Mehssatou received the ball through his body in his own penalty area. After a long VAR intervention, ref Verboomen and co. that it was not a penalty.
For Eupen it was all or nothing. Losing meant relegation, winning meant that the East Cantoners still had a chance to save themselves. The away team played with a lot of courage. Perhaps a little too much, because after half an hour of play, captain Boris Lambert was sent off the field after a foul on Sissako. A strict decision.
That early exclusion at Eupen did not immediately result in opportunities or in better play from the home team. It did increase the pressure a bit and a ten-member Eupen team could not cope with that. Kadri swung a free kick towards Slonina’s goal just before half-time and it found Silva’s head. The Kortrijk captain headed the ball against the ropes, 1-0. Not entirely deserved, but Kortrijk was on a roll.
The early red card and the goal conceded just before half-time had a major impact and to make matters worse, coach Anderssen also received a red card at half-time after a conflict with the goalkeeper coach of KV Kortrijk, who was also shown the red card.
The nerves were tense. KVK did not immediately take advantage of the turbulent situation at Eupen. It tried something, but was mainly satisfied with ball possession. The Pandas from Eupen did not make it difficult for them in the second half. They almost got a penalty after a foul by Mampassi on Charles-Cook. Verboomen was sent to the screen again, but ruled that it was not a penalty. KV Kortrijk again got away well. The home team takes an economical and important three-pointer without playing well. With this victory, KV Kortrijk sends Eupen to the Challenger Pro League. At KVK one can still dream of an extended stay in first class.
