RWDM will no longer play in the Jupiler Pro League next season. On the final day of the Relegation Play-off, the team from Molenbeek lost 2-0 on the Eupen field. Kortrijk, which was also in danger, lost 3-1 to Charleroi but retains the prospect of survival.
RWDM had to win at Eupen, which had already been sentenced to relegation, and hope to lose points to Kortrijk on the Charleroi field. The Karolos, who had been certain of retention for some time, fulfilled their sporting duty and went all out in front of their own audience. That gave them a double lead before the break. Daan Heymans opened the score from the spot after 24 minutes, and Antoine Bernier closed the gap fifteen minutes later.
In the second half, Isaak Davies scored the tying goal on the hour, but Youssuf Sylla (70.) completely secured Charleroi’s victory.
Even after the loss of Kortrijk, RWDM had to score a three-pointer on the Eupen field to save itself. Abe and Carlos Alberto missed big chances to make it 0-1 before the break and after coffee the visitors were put on the spot. Isaac Nuhu made it 1-0 after an individual action.
RWDM now had to score twice for an extended stay in 1A. Yannick Ferrera brought fresh blood, including Gueye, who promptly provided more momentum, but he also could not shake the net. In the final phase it even became 2-0 after an unfortunate own goal by Christ Makosso. This is how the curtain fell for a weak Molenbeek.
Turbulent season
RWDM was promoted as champions from 1B last season, but the Brussels club, owned by the American John Textor, did not enjoy the return to the highest level. In a turbulent season, no fewer than four coaches passed through the Edmond Machtens Stadium (Vincent Euvrard, Claudio Caçapa, Bruno Irles and Yannick Ferrera), but no one got the train on track. RWDM finished the regular competition in last place and was also unable to make a difference in the play-offs.
As second in the Relegation Play-off, Kortrijk secures jump-offs for retention. The opponent will be Deinze of Lommel from 1B. These two teams will play their second leg of the final of the Promotion Play-off in the Challenger Pro League on Sunday. The first match in Lommel ended 1-1. Champion Beerschot and vice-champion Dender rise directly to the Jupiler Pro League.
