In a dramatic turn of events at the Kiel, Beerschot clinched a thrilling 4-2 victory over Cercle Brugge on May 10, 2025, sealing the fate of the visitors as they are now forced to face relegation play-offs. What began as a promising afternoon for Cercle quickly spiraled into a nightmare as Beerschot mounted a stunning comeback in the second half.
The match started with high hopes for Cercle Brugge, who took the lead just six minutes into the game when Lawrence Agyekum found the back of the net, making it 0-1. The visitors dominated the first half, creating numerous chances but failing to extend their lead. Despite a shaky defensive performance from Beerschot, Cercle was unable to capitalize on their opportunities.
As the teams went into halftime, the mood was optimistic for Cercle, who needed a victory to secure their place in the top tier. With STVV struggling against Kortrijk, a win would have ensured their safety. However, the second half brought a shocking turnaround.
Beerschot emerged from the break with renewed vigor, and within minutes, they equalized through Apostolos Konstantopoulos, who scored two quick goals in the 48th and 50th minutes, turning the score around to 2-1. The first came from a well-placed header off a corner, followed by a volley that left the Cercle defense reeling.
Things went from bad to worse for Cercle when a handball by Magnée in the penalty area led to a penalty for Beerschot. Loïc Mbe Soh stepped up to take the spot-kick and confidently slotted it home, extending Beerschot's lead to 3-1 in the 56th minute. The home crowd erupted as Beerschot took control of the match.
As Cercle struggled to regain composure, Al-Ghamdi added another penalty in the 78th minute, executing a cheeky Panenka that left goalkeeper Warleson stranded. With the score now at 4-1, the match seemed all but over for Cercle Brugge.
In a last-ditch effort, Paris Brunner managed to score a consolation goal for Cercle in the dying moments of the match, bringing the final score to 4-2. However, it was too little too late, and the visitors were left to ponder their fate.
Dirk Kuyt, the Beerschot coach, expressed relief at the turnaround, stating, "Let’s focus on the second half, because that’s how we wanted to end the season. The first half was one of the worst we’ve seen, but we showed intensity and determination in the second half. This season has been a huge experience for me as a coach, and I want to continue, but not like this.”
On the other hand, Jimmy De Wulf, the coach of Cercle Brugge, lamented his team's inability to capitalize on their first-half performance. “We started well and deserved the lead, but we failed to reward ourselves. It’s incredibly disappointing to see how easily we conceded those goals in the second half,” he said. “It’s time for the players to take responsibility and keep this club in the first division.”
The match was not just a battle on the pitch; it also featured a heartfelt tribute to Tim Nicot, a former Beerschot player who passed away ten years ago. The crowd honored his memory with a rendition of "You’ll Never Walk Alone,” creating an emotional atmosphere before the kickoff.
As the dust settles on this match, Cercle Brugge now faces the prospect of relegation play-offs against either Patro Eisden or Lokeren-Temse, who are set to battle it out for the chance to compete in the top tier. The stakes could not be higher, and all eyes will be on the upcoming matches as Cercle seeks redemption.
Meanwhile, Beerschot will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the next season, hoping to improve on their performance and avoid the struggles faced this year. With players like Mbe Soh, who was named Beerschot’s 'Manneke van het Seizoen,' the team has a solid foundation to build upon.
In conclusion, this match will be remembered not only for the thrilling comeback but also for the emotional moments shared by fans and players alike. As the season wraps up, the future remains uncertain for both teams, making the upcoming relegation play-offs and preparations for next season all the more crucial.
