On April 18, 2025, La Louvière achieved a remarkable feat, securing promotion to the Jupiler Pro League after a thrilling match against Lommel SK. The game, filled with tension and excitement, saw La Louvière clinch victory with a last-minute goal in the 92nd minute, capping off a season that has been nothing short of extraordinary.
After just one season in the Challenger Pro League, La Louvière has made an impressive return to the highest level of Belgian professional football. This promotion is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, especially after facing a challenging match against Lommel, where they found themselves trailing for a significant part of the game.
The evening began with Lommel taking the lead in the 78th minute, courtesy of a goal from Lucas Schoofs, which put La Louvière's promotion hopes in jeopardy. However, just a minute later, La Louvière struck back when an own goal by Lommel's Amankwah leveled the score at 1-1, igniting hope among their traveling supporters.
With the clock ticking down and the pressure mounting, La Louvière needed a win to secure their promotion. The atmosphere was electric as the away fans rallied behind their team, creating a palpable sense of urgency on the pitch. In a dramatic turn of events, Mouhamed Belkheir, who has been a standout player for La Louvière this season, scored the decisive goal in injury time. His effort, marking his 14th goal of the season, sent the visiting fans into a frenzy as they celebrated the hard-fought victory.
"What a turnaround! We believed until the end, and we got what we deserved," Belkheir exclaimed after the match. His sentiment echoed the feelings of his teammates and the coaching staff, who have worked tirelessly throughout the season.
The match was not without its controversies. The game was temporarily halted due to a smoke bomb being set off in the stands, which added to the already intense atmosphere. Additionally, a red card was issued to a member of the Lommel bench, highlighting the high stakes and emotional investment from both sides.
La Louvière's victory was made even sweeter by the simultaneous match taking place between Zulte Waregem and RWDM. Zulte Waregem emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, which meant they finished second in the league, just behind La Louvière. This outcome solidified La Louvière's position in the promotion standings, leaving RWDM, who had been leading the table until late in the match, to face the disappointment of finishing third and entering the Promotion Play-offs.
As the final whistle blew, the joy among La Louvière's players and fans was palpable. They had not only secured promotion but had also achieved a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes. The team, which had been in the lower tiers of Belgian football just a year ago, now finds itself preparing for the challenges of the Jupiler Pro League.
La Louvière's journey has been one of determination and hard work. Under the guidance of coach Frédéric Taquin, the team has shown incredible growth and resilience, bouncing back from setbacks to achieve their goals. The club's management, led by President Salvatore Curaba and CEO Toni Turi, has also played a crucial role in fostering a positive environment for success.
Looking ahead, La Louvière is not just focused on maintaining their status in the Jupiler Pro League but is also planning for the future. The club is set to inaugurate a new training center and a state-of-the-art stadium with a capacity of 8,050 seats, which will further enhance their infrastructure and support their ambitions in the top tier of Belgian football.
As La Louvière celebrates this significant achievement, their supporters are already looking forward to the next chapter in their club's history. The players, management, and fans are united in their quest to make their mark in the Jupiler Pro League, and if this season is any indication, they are more than capable of achieving great things.
The excitement surrounding La Louvière's promotion serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the passion that drives clubs and supporters alike. With the new season on the horizon, La Louvière is poised to take on the challenges of the Jupiler Pro League with the same spirit and determination that brought them to this momentous occasion.
