On January 25, 2025, STVV faced off against Antwerp on day 23 of the Jupiler Pro League, resulting in a thrilling 1-1 draw at Stayen Stadium. Despite various challenges, both teams were eager to secure valuable points for different reasons, with STVV fighting against relegation and Antwerp aspiring to maintain its foothold among the league leaders.
Entering the match, STVV (Sint-Truidense V.V.) was positioned dangerously low at 14th place with just 22 points, clearly feeling the pressure of play-downs. Meanwhile, Antwerp, sitting comfortably at 5th with 36 points, aimed to keep pace with the top four teams. Notably, STVV hadn't beaten Antwerp since November 2021. Would they finally break their winless streak against the Great Old?
The match kicked off energetically, and within the first 10 minutes, Antwerp took the lead. Anthony Valencia found the net by capitalizing on a rebound after Belgian international Kerk’s initial shot struck the post. The early goal seemed to ignite the visitors, but they quickly lost momentum.
STVV’s Didier Lamkel Zé, playing against his former club, would prove to be the night’s standout player. Less than ten minutes after Antwerp’s goal, Lamkel Zé was handed the opportunity to equalize when Dennis Odoi handled the ball inside the penalty area after tussling with him, leading to a penalty decision. Lamkel Zé initially failed to convert the penalty but managed to score from the rebound, making it 1-1 and delighting the local fans, even as he celebrated flamboyantly before the Antwerp supporters.
Throughout the first half, STVV continued to dominate possession and create chances, exhibiting determination. The visitors struggled under pressure, allowing STVV to threaten on multiple occasions. Even after Lamkel Zé's equalizer, it was clear the home side was revitalized and was pressing for more.
The second half unfolded with frenetic energy as both sides exchanged chances. Defensive lapses resulted in several near misses, with shots flying just wide or meeting the respective keepers. Both teams registered 19 shots on goal, highlighting the match's competitive nature. It came as no surprise when, after many tense moments and opportunities wasted, both teams remained deadlocked at one goal apiece.
Ill-tempered moments arose as the clock wound down, with several players receiving yellow cards due to aggressive tackles and altercations sparked by frustration. The highest drama came during injury time when Antwerp’s Jairo Riedewald received a red card for violently pushing STVV's Fujita after another incident where the latter attempted to grab the ball for quick play.
Despite squandering chances, managers from both sides voiced their thoughts post-match. Antwerp's coach, Jonas De Roeck, expressed disappointment, stating, "We started well and took the lead, but unfortunately, we conceded too easily. It could have gone either way today, but our choices weren't always the best."
On the other side, Felice Mazzu, the STVV trainer, remarked, "We started under pressure but improved significantly. There were moments where luck didn't favor us again, but I am proud of our performance, especially against the fifth-placed team. We need this mentality to survive this season."
Zeno Van Den Bosch from Antwerp reflected on the match, noting, "Overall, it was rightly a draw, but we both had ample opportunities. We wanted to win, especially after our recent tough weeks."
While the match ended level, both teams are left with more questions than answers for their futures. For STVV, securing just one point temporarily eases their relegation fears, but it remains insufficient to climb the standings significantly. Meanwhile, Antwerp risks their position as top challengers with missed chances, especially with upcoming encounters against stronger opponents.
This intense battle confirmed the fierce rivalry between STVV and Antwerp, with emotional stakes high for the players and fans alike. The passionate supporters shouldered the atmosphere, creating one of those memorable evenings of Belgian football.
With this draw, the struggle for points continues, and the upcoming fixtures will be even more consequential as both teams chase their respective fortunes.