In a tense match at the Olympisch Stadion, Beerschot faced a daunting challenge against STVV, playing with just ten men after a red card early in the game. The match began at 16:00 on Saturday, March 29, 2025, and was officiated by referee Verboomen. Just 2 minutes and 13 seconds into the match, Beerschot's Cagro received a direct red card for a reckless tackle on Janssens, marking the eighth red card for the team in their last ten matches.
With Beerschot reduced to ten players, they immediately adopted a defensive posture, attempting to hold off STVV's advances. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the home side managed to withstand the pressure for the first half, with only one significant moment of danger when goalkeeper Kokubo made a mistake on a long ball. However, no Beerschot player could capitalize on the opportunity, leaving the score at 0-0 at halftime.
Lapoussin, a standout player for STVV, expressed the frustration of breaking through Beerschot's defense. “That made it for us not easy to find the gap,” he remarked after the game. The breakthrough finally came early in the second half, in the 53rd minute, when Lapoussin scored the only goal of the match. He received a well-placed pass from Bertaccini and expertly slotted the ball past Beerschot’s goalkeeper Matijas.
Despite his goal, Lapoussin felt he could have added more to the scoreline. “I had certainly two, or even three times to score,” he reflected, acknowledging the missed opportunities. His performance, however, was crucial, helping STVV secure the three points they desperately needed in the Relegation Play-Offs.
Beerschot's coach, Dirk Kuyt, made a strategic change at halftime, substituting Colassin for Tshimanga in hopes of solidifying the defense. This allowed the wingbacks to push higher up the pitch, but ultimately, the adjustments did not yield the desired results, as the team struggled to create significant offensive threats.
Despite the efforts of the remaining ten players, Beerschot found it increasingly difficult to mount an attack. They had a few chances, including a near-miss from Martha, who shot just wide of the goal. As the match wore on, it became clear that STVV's defense was holding firm, and Beerschot was running out of time to equalize.
With this defeat, Beerschot finds themselves in a precarious position. If Cercle Brugge wins their match against KV Kortrijk on Sunday, March 30, 2025, Beerschot will officially be relegated to the Challenger Pro League. The pressure is mounting as the team faces an almost impossible task in the Relegation Play-Offs.
STVV, on the other hand, celebrated their victory and their temporary position at the top of the Relegation Play-Offs. The win was vital for the Kanaries, who are fighting to secure their place in the Jupiler Pro League after failing to do so in the regular season. Defender Visar Musliu acknowledged the close calls during the match, particularly in the final seconds when he benefited from an offside call that could have allowed Beerschot to equalize.
As the final whistle blew, it was evident that Beerschot had put up a brave fight despite their disadvantage. The team’s spirit was commendable, but the reality of their situation loomed large. The match was a microcosm of their season—struggling against the odds while facing the threat of relegation.
Fans of Beerschot are left to ponder the future of their team as they await the outcome of Cercle Brugge's match. Will they be able to stave off relegation for one more week, or is this the end of the road for them in the Jupiler Pro League? Only time will tell as the drama of the Relegation Play-Offs continues to unfold.
