KV Kortrijk and Cercle Brugge played to a dramatic 1-1 stalemate at the Guldensporen Stadium on March 1, leaving both teams with mixed emotions as they continue their battle against relegation.
The match started brightly for KV Kortrijk, who took the lead early on. After just 13 minutes, Jean-Kévin Duverne scored from a set-piece, converting Brecht Dejaegere's free kick with his head. The goal initially faced scrutiny from the VAR due to a potential foul committed by Nacho Ferri on Thibo Somers prior to the free kick. After lengthy deliberation, referee Lothar D'Hondt allowed the goal to stand, much to the relief of the home crowd.
Despite the early breakthrough, Kortrijk struggled to maintain control of the game, allowing Cercle Brugge to capitalize on their mistakes later. Coach Bernd Storck had urged his players to adopt an attacking mindset, and the team initially displayed aggression throughout the first half. Ferri and Ambrose were particularly active, creating opportunities but failing to convert. "We had our chances and against this team, you must take them," Storck remarked post-match.
Throughout the match, nerves were palpable as both teams fought fiercely for every ball. While Kortrijk had the clearer chances, they failed to add to their tally, leading to mounting frustration. "Heel frustrerend, dit. We waren de eerste helft beter, beginnen de tweede goed en krijgen kansen op 2-0. Nadien nemen ze over, maar we hadden de match al moeten afmaken," said KV Kortrijk captain Dejaegere.
The second half saw Cercle Brugge come out with renewed energy. They began pressing intensively, searching for the equalizer, yet struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their persistence, though, finally paid off. After enduring 88 minutes without managing to strike at Kortrijk’s goal, Paris Brunner, who had come on as a substitute, scored the equalizer from the team's first shot on target during the match. Brunner headed the ball past Kortrijk's goalkeeper Ilic, igniting jubilation among the green-and-black-clad fans.
Reflecting on this nail-biting end, Storck acknowledged the late equalizer was disappointing but insisted there were positive takeaways. "Dit is geen teleurstelling. Het is jammer natuurlijk, zo laat nog een goal slikken, maar we hebben goede dingen gezien. Ik ben blij, ik zag een team dat samen speelde en vocht," he stated. His focus now shifts to the team's next fixture against STVV next week, which he described as another must-win encounter.
On the emotional front, the late equalizer left many players and supporters with unfortunate feelings, especially considering the earlier dominance Kortrijk showed. Despite their efforts, they remained mathematically bound for the Relegation Play-offs after the draw. Ferri, who had contributed significantly to Kortrijk's performance, voiced the sentiment of disappointment but also hope for the future as the team prepares for the challenges continuing on their path to avoid relegation.
The final ten minutes were tense, with Cercle Brugge nearly snatching victory as Lucas Perrin’s close-range effort crashed against the post. It was evident how thin the line between glory and despair was on this night. Post-match, both teams reflected on their respective journeys, acknowledging the importance of the point earned by Cercle Brugge, who now moved just above the relegation line with this draw.
The stakes continue to rise as both teams plunge headfirst toward the season's climax, fighting tooth and nail to secure their positions. The football world watches closely as relegation threats loom large, and every match remains pivotal.
Next on the agenda for KV Kortrijk will be facing STVV, with hopes high for turning the tide and securing much-needed points. The challenge remains arduous, but with the right mentality and execution, survival could remain within reach.