Charleroi has solidified its position mid-table with a gutsy victory over Westerlo, winning 3-1 on Saturday afternoon. The match showcased the remarkable talent of 23-year-old Serbian striker Nikola Stulic, who played a pivotal role by scoring two goals and assisting his team’s comeback.
Westerlo struck first, with Luka Vuskovic heading home from a corner kick delivered by Dogucan Haspolat at the 31-minute mark, giving the hosts the initial lead. Despite struggling to generate scoring opportunities throughout the first half, Charleroi responded to the challenge after halftime. Coach Rik De Mil’s adjustments seemed to invigorate the squad.
Stulic, who has now scored five goals over his last four games, began his scoring spree just minutes after the break, equalizing the match at 1-1 with an impressive play. His second goal, coming mere minutes later at the 62nd minute, exemplified his growing confidence and adaptability within the Belgian Pro League.
“C'était peut-être notre victoire la plus importante, car ils étaient à trois points de nous au coup d'envoi. Nous avons répondu après avoir été menés à la mi-temps. C'était un grand match,” said Stulic post-match, emphasizing the significant nature of the win not just for morale but for the league standings.
To cement Charleroi's victory, midfielder Daan Heymans added to the scoreline deep within stoppage time, netting his 10th goal of the season and ensuring Charleroi returned home with three valuable points.
Westerlo's defeat leaves them precariously close to the relegation spots, now level on points with Cercle Brugge, who occupy the 13th position. The loss places immense pressure on Westerlo as they approach their upcoming fixtures against lower-ranking competitors such as OH Leuven and Beerschot.
Both teams showed resilience, but Charleroi’s regained vigor post-halftime marked the turning point of the match. Coach Rik De Mil expressed his pride after the game, noting how important this victory was for the morale and psyche of his squad, especially following their previous matches which saw them struggle to secure wins.
Indeed, the emotional high was palpable as the players celebrated their well-earned win, with Stulic teasing about their two days off granted by Coach De Mil. “Il a annoncé que nous avions deux jours de congé,” he shared, indicating the lighter mood of Charleroi's camp following the match.
The victory is particularly noteworthy for Charleroi, now regaining momentum after having faced setbacks during earlier matches this season. Their ability to come back from adversity signals their fighting spirit, which will be pivotal as they navigate the remaining fixtures of the regular season.
With this success, Charleroi has placed themselves back on track to secure their place for the next season without the worry of relegation looming over them. The players will be eager to build upon this performance as the season progresses and aim for higher placements within the league standings.
For Stulic and his teammates, this match was not just another game— it was about proving their potential and solidifying their place as formidable opponents within Belgian football. Moving forward, Charleroi will need to maintain this level of performance to capitalize on the momentum they’ve gained.
With every match, they grow more cohesive as a unit and more determined to continue their ascent up the league table. The anticipation now lies in how they will strategize against their next opponents to avoid slipping back but instead push themselves closer to the top eight.