In a thrilling encounter at the Jan Breydelstadion, Cercle Brugge secured their first victory in over three months, defeating Beerschot 2-1 in a match that showcased the highs and lows of both teams. The match, held on April 5, 2025, saw Cercle Brugge take a significant step in the Relegation Play-Offs, climbing to the top of the standings.
The action kicked off early, with Cercle Brugge's captain, Somers, making his mark just ten minutes into the game. After a powerful header that rattled the crossbar, he was quick to react, slotting home the rebound to give his team a 1-0 lead. "It felt great to get on the scoresheet early and set the tone for the match," Somers stated after the game.
Despite their shaky start, Beerschot showed resilience. They struggled to find their rhythm initially, with Colassin missing a golden opportunity to equalize early on. However, as the first half progressed, the visitors began to find their footing, creating chances of their own. Al-Sahafi nearly leveled the score, hitting the post with a powerful strike, showcasing the threat they posed.
As the match wore on, Cercle Brugge continued to press, with Ngoura coming close to extending their lead. His first attempt was saved by Beerschot's goalkeeper Matijas, but a subsequent effort found the back of the net only to be ruled out for offside. The decision left the home crowd buzzing with anticipation, as they wondered if they could maintain their advantage.
Beerschot, already relegated to the Challenger Pro League, refused to go down without a fight. They capitalized on a crucial mistake from Cercle's goalkeeper, Delanghe, who misjudged a long ball from Matijas. Redan, who had come off the bench, seized the opportunity and calmly finished into an open net, bringing the score to 1-1.
"We knew we had to keep fighting, and when the chance came, I was ready to take it," Redan said post-match, reflecting on his equalizer.
The match appeared to be heading for a draw, which would have been a bitter disappointment for Cercle Brugge, who had not tasted victory since January 18, 2025. However, the drama was far from over. In the dying moments of the match, with the clock ticking into injury time, Cercle Brugge won a corner kick. The ensuing set piece saw Lucas Perrin rise above the Beerschot defenders to head the ball into the net, sealing a 2-1 victory for the home side.
Perrin's late goal not only secured the three points but also sent the home fans into a frenzy as they celebrated a long-awaited win. "We needed this victory to boost our confidence and show that we can compete in these crucial moments," Perrin expressed after the match.
Cercle Brugge's coach, who has faced scrutiny during the team's struggles, praised his players for their determination. "The team showed great character today. We faced adversity, but we kept pushing until the end, and that’s what football is all about," he remarked.
On the other hand, Beerschot's coach, Dirk Kuyt, acknowledged the disappointment of the result but emphasized the importance of fighting spirit in his team's performance. "We may be relegated, but the players showed they have heart and can compete. We will take this fight into the next season," he noted.
The victory propels Cercle Brugge to the top of the Relegation Play-Offs, a much-needed boost as they look to secure their place in the top tier. Meanwhile, Beerschot continues to search for their first away victory of the season, a feat that has eluded them thus far.
With the tension of the relegation battle intensifying, both teams will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming fixtures. Cercle Brugge will aim to build on this momentum, while Beerschot will look to find a way to salvage pride in their remaining matches.
