Sporting Charleroi achieved a much-needed victory against Westerlo with a score of 3-1 on February 22, 2025, during the Jupiler Pro League match held at Het Kuipje. The win significantly bolstered Charleroi's chances of avoiding relegation as they now hold six points clear of their opponents.
Coming off the back of their recent defeat to Anderlecht, the Zèbres entered the match fully aware of the stakes. They were tied on points with Cercle Brugge, the team immediately above the relegation zone, making each point valuable. Coach De Mil had moved to start Martin Delavallée in goal, replacing the struggling Mohamed Koné, hinting at the pressure on the young keeper.
The match kicked off at a slow pace, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm initially. It wasn't until the 31st minute when Vuskovic opened the scoring for Westerlo with a powerful header from a corner, sending the home crowd erupting with applause.
After halftime, Charleroi immediately aimed to turn the tide. Their efforts paid off when Nikola Stulic found the equalizer at the 56th minute, converting from Parfait Guiagon's assist. This goal not only leveled the game but also seemed to ignite Charleroi's attacking prowess.
Stulic struck again just six minutes later, putting Charleroi 2-1 up. Confident from their second goal, the Zèbres began to control the match, frustrating Westerlo's attempts to secure another equalizer.
Finally, with barely moments left on the clock, Daan Heymans capped off the victory with Charleroi's third goal, sealing the match at 3-1 and delivering a decisive blow to Westerlo’s hopes of avoiding the relegation playoff.
Post-match comments from Coach De Mil shed light on the team's mental state. "It’s true, he [Koné] is going through a difficult time," De Mil had remarked, addressing the goalkeeper's form. He bolstered his support by stating, "The most important thing is to know his mental state. I spoke with him. It's up to me to decide now whether I need to protect him or not."
Reflecting on the match’s outcome, De Mil added, "Last year, we thought we were safe with one win, but this season is different; we need many more points for survival." His comments underscored the difficult reality facing teams competing at the bottom of the league.
With this victory, Charleroi has positioned themselves advantageously as they head toward the final stretch of the season. Coach De Mil and his squad will undoubtedly focus on maintaining this momentum as they strive to secure their place in the league for another year.