On April 19, 2025, the Jupiler Pro League witnessed a thrilling match as Charleroi faced off against Malines in the fourth round of the Europe Play-offs. Charleroi, known as the Zèbres, came into the match with confidence, having the chance to solidify their position at the top of the playoff standings. The stakes were high for both teams, as they were vying for crucial points to secure their spots for the upcoming Conference League playoffs next summer.
From the outset, it was clear that Charleroi was determined to take control of the game. The first significant opportunity fell to Malines, with Raman testing the waters early on in the 5th minute. However, it was Charleroi who struck first, with Stulic delivering a stunning goal in the 15th minute, showcasing his skill and precision.
Just six minutes later, Charleroi doubled their lead. Heymans capitalized on a defensive error from Malines, intercepting the ball in the box and slotting it past goalkeeper De Wolf in the 21st minute. This early two-goal advantage put Charleroi firmly in the driver’s seat, and the home crowd erupted in cheers.
Despite being down, Malines refused to back down. They mounted a series of attacks, with Mrabti, Storm, Lauberbach, and Pflücke all coming close to scoring. However, Charleroi's goalkeeper, Delavallée, was in top form, making crucial saves to keep his team ahead. At halftime, Charleroi led 2-0, even though they had only managed two shots compared to Malines' fifteen.
The second half began with renewed energy from Charleroi. They quickly asserted their dominance, and in the 62nd minute, Stulic struck again, making it 3-0 after capitalizing on a rebound from De Wolf's save. This goal effectively sealed the match for Charleroi, who now had a comfortable lead.
Malines continued to push forward, desperate to find a way back into the game. They hit the post in the 70th minute, a moment that could have reignited their hopes, but it wasn't meant to be. Charleroi's defense, bolstered by a solid performance from Delavallée, held firm, ensuring that the Zèbres would walk away with a clean sheet.
As the match progressed, Charleroi shifted into a more defensive posture, managing the game with ease. Coach Rik De Mil took the opportunity to rotate his squad, bringing on substitutes Camara, Mbenza, Rogelj, Keita, and Dragsnes to maintain freshness and energy on the pitch.
With this victory, Charleroi not only secured three vital points but also established a three-point lead over Malines in the playoff standings. The win marked an impressive 8 points out of a possible 12 for Charleroi in the playoffs, solidifying their position as serious contenders for the title.
Looking ahead, Charleroi will need to maintain this momentum as they continue their quest for playoff glory. Meanwhile, Malines will have to regroup and reflect on their performance, as they have now lost their last two encounters against Charleroi, including a previous defeat earlier in March.
This match showcased the intensity and competitiveness of the Jupiler Pro League playoffs, with both teams displaying their strengths and weaknesses. The fans were treated to an exciting encounter filled with drama, skill, and tactical battles.
As the season progresses, the question remains: can Charleroi maintain their lead and secure a spot in the Conference League playoffs? Only time will tell as they continue to push forward in this thrilling campaign.
