In a thrilling encounter at Stayen, KV Kortrijk secured a vital 0-3 victory against STVV, reigniting their hopes in the Relegation Play-offs. The match, held on April 6, 2025, saw Kortrijk’s players exhibit remarkable efficiency, scoring three goals in just ten minutes during the first half.
It was a must-win situation for the Kerels, who had to earn all three points to keep their survival hopes alive. Coach Bernd Storck made three changes to his lineup after a previous draw against Cercle Brugge, bringing in Sissako, Ambrose, and Fujii to start the match.
From the kick-off, both teams displayed an attacking mindset, eager to seize the initiative. However, it was Kortrijk who struck first. In the 17th minute, Abdelkahar Kadri took a free kick that sailed past everyone, catching STVV’s goalkeeper, Kokubo, off guard to make it 0-1. This marked Kadri's third goal of the season and set the tone for an explosive first half.
Just five minutes later, Kortrijk doubled their lead. Kadri turned provider this time, assisting Nacho Ferri, who skillfully brushed aside defender Godeau to score the second goal in the 22nd minute. The Kortrijk fans, who traveled in numbers, erupted in joy as their team continued to dominate.
By the 27th minute, the score had ballooned to 0-3. Duverne made a strong run down the right flank and delivered a low cross into the box, where Nayel Mehssatou was waiting to finish with a precise strike. The home crowd was stunned, and STVV found themselves in a deep hole.
STVV had their chances to score early in the match. Adriano Bertaccini, the club’s top scorer, missed a critical opportunity when he shot wide from a promising position at 0-0. The pressure was mounting on the Kanaries as they struggled to find the back of the net for the 13th consecutive match, a streak that would continue after this game.
Despite the early setback, STVV attempted to rally. They made a double substitution just after the half-hour mark, with coach Felice Mazzu hoping to spark a response from his team. However, the changes did little to alter the course of the match. The first half ended with Kortrijk firmly in control, leaving STVV with a mountain to climb.
As the second half commenced, STVV sought to regain some momentum. Ito came close to scoring, hitting the crossbar with a well-placed shot, but it was not enough to shift the tide. Bertaccini also had a volley saved by Kortrijk’s goalkeeper, Lucas Pirard, who was instrumental in maintaining the clean sheet.
In the 61st minute, Kortrijk faced a setback when Pirard had to leave the field due to an adductor injury, bringing 19-year-old Ebbe De Vlaeminck onto the pitch for his professional debut. Despite the change in goalkeeping, Kortrijk's defense held firm, allowing little in terms of scoring opportunities for STVV.
Louis Patris, STVV’s coach, expressed his disappointment after the match, stating, "We seemed ready for the game, but today we completely dropped the ball. We were late everywhere, and they capitalized on every chance they got. We had everything in our hands, but with a collective failure, we achieved nothing."
Brecht Dejaegere, who played his 100th match for Kortrijk, reflected on the team’s performance, saying, "We played a mature game; only a win was good for us. In both boxes, we were very efficient, and Lucas Pirard also made a good save at the right moment. This quality has been in the group all year, but it hadn't come out enough until today."
Kortrijk’s victory was crucial, bringing them within four points of STVV in the relegation battle. Bernd Storck emphasized the importance of the win, noting, "This was our last chance to put pressure on the other teams. It was vital to grab these three points."
On the other hand, Felice Mazzu lamented the performance of his players, stating, "This hurts. I didn't expect my players to not participate in parts of the game. We needed to score at least one goal before their first, and then we fell away for ten minutes. We did respond in the second half, but it didn't yield any goals."
As the final whistle blew, STVV was left to ponder their missed opportunities and the implications of the loss. With four matches left in the Relegation Play-offs, the battle for survival remains intense. Kortrijk will next face Beerschot on April 12, 2025, as they continue their fight to avoid relegation.
This match not only showcased Kortrijk's attacking prowess but also highlighted the struggles of STVV, who now face a challenging path ahead. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the Relegation Play-offs, with both teams needing to regroup and refocus for their upcoming fixtures.
