On March 1, 2025, at Stayen, Sint-Truiden VV (STVV) celebrated a significant victory, coming from behind to overcome KV Kortrijk 4-2. This match not only showcased the resilience of STVV but also deepened the woes for Kortrijk, who are grappling with their survival in the top tier of Belgian football.
The home team started strong, with Mark Mampassi inadvertently giving STVV the lead through an own goal at just 11 minutes. The early advantage was doubled by Robert-Jan Vanwesemael's stunning strike from outside the box, putting STVV up 2-0 within the first twenty minutes
.Yet, Kortrijk did not fold easily. Just before halftime, Thierry Ambrose converted a penalty after being fouled within the area, narrowing the deficit to 2-1 and injecting renewed hope for the visitors.
The second half saw Kortrijk equalize when Dermane Karim found the back of the net after 70 minutes, leveling the score at 2-2 and creating tension among STVV supporters. This goal, born from quick play and teamwork, suggested Kortrijk was seizing momentum.
Recognizing the peril, STVV coach Felice Mazzu made tactical changes, introducing Andrés Ferrari and Adriano Bertaccini. The substitutions proved pivotal. Just five minutes later, Ferrari restored STVV's lead at 3-2 after capitalizing on defensive lapses from Kortrijk. The momentum shifted again, igniting the home crowd.
With the game drawing to its end, Bertaccini added another goal for STVV at 81 minutes, sealing the match at 4-2 and providing STVV with their first win from their last eight fixtures. This victory ignited celebrations among STVV fans and players alike, as they hold on to their hopes of escaping the relegation playoff.
Kortrijk's performance, characterized by perseverance and tenacity, showed their commitment to clawing out of the relegation zone. Despite numerous attempts, including 14 shots, they faced relentless resistance from STVV's goalkeeper, Kokubo, who made several key saves.
The match also marked another challenging chapter for Kortrijk's coach, Bernd Storck, who faces mounting pressure as his team has been stuck at the bottom of the standings this season. They remain eight points adrift of safety, leaving their chances of avoiding relegation increasingly slim.
STVV now finds themselves just six points away from safety with three matches left to play. Players exuded determination, fully aware of the importance of every point at this stage of the season. Their passionate play and the timely contributions from substitutes demonstrate their fighting spirit as they continue their battle against relegation.
The game featured not only fervent competition but also strategic gameplay, showcasing how coaches wield the power to change outcomes with tactical substitutions. Observers noted how significant the home crowd's support amplified the players' morale, turning Stayen back to their fortress.
Looking forward, both teams are under pressure as the season nears its climax. For STVV, there's newfound hope, and for Kortrijk, there are unsettled issues to address if they wish to remain competitive and survive the season.
Next up for STVV is to maintain this premium momentum as they gear up for their remaining fixtures, each match potentially altering their fate.