SK Beveren pulled off a stunning upset against league leaders Zulte Waregem, winning 3-2 at the Freethiel Stadium on February 28, 2025. This thrilling match showcased the relentless spirit of Beveren as they fought back from behind to secure their fourth consecutive victory, shaking up the dynamics of the promotion race.
Initially, the first half was marked by missed opportunities and fierce competition, leaving the score empty at halftime. Both teams collected chances, but the pressure did not translate to goals, leading to frustrations among players and fans alike. Zulte Waregem sought to maintain their spot as the dominant league leader, but Beveren, fresh off previous victories, was determined to disrupt their momentum.
The breakthrough came just after the hour mark when Stavros Gavriel converted a well-placed cross from Joseph Opoku, putting Zulte Waregem on the board at 1-0. Gavriel's effort changed the game's atmosphere, but Beveren swiftly responded, capitalizing on Zulte's momentary lapse of concentration.
Guillaume De Schryver netted the equalizer for Beveren only 15 minutes later, with the match poised at 1-1 following his deft finish. The response from Zulte Waregem was quick, as Tobias Hedl regained the lead for his team just moments after Beveren's celebration, putting Zulte back at 2-1.
Despite trailing again, Beveren's resolve only grew stronger. Within four minutes, Alexander Corryn found the net, equalizing the score for the second time at 2-2. The intensity heightened, the match transforming from strategic plays to frantic exchanges as both teams pursued the winner.
Becoming fierce and relentless, Beveren continued their pursuit of victory. Just minutes later, Kurt Abrahams dashed through Zulte's defense, scoring the decisive goal to make it 3-2. The Freethiel erupted as home fans reveled in their team's spectacular comeback.
Interestingly, Zulte Waregem, which had dominated the Challenger Pro League so far, now found themselves under pressure from teams like La Louvière, who were performing well and closing the gap. With their performance against Beveren, La Louvière climbed within points of the top teams, making the race for promotion even more exhilarating.
The match not only highlighted Beveren's tenacity but also showcased the unpredictable nature of the league. After the game, analysts noted, "Beveren showed incredible spirit and resilience to come back and claim the win," emphasizing the importance of this victory not just for Beveren but for the excitement it brings to the promotion battle. It's now clear the tension and competition at the top are heating up, raising questions about whether Zulte Waregem can maintain their lead amid rising challengers.
The promotion race has noticeably intensified, hinting at potential shifts as teams jostle for positions. Zulte Waregem remains top of the standings with 49 points, but with teams nipping at their heels, including la Louvière and RWDM, every match will count as the season progresses.