KV Mechelen gained confidence based on the second half at Club Brugge. Opponent Westerlo convincingly won the opening match last weekend with 3-0 against Cercle Brugge.
There was a stir in the first half when Raemaekers brought down Sayyadmanesh. Initially, there seemed to be little wrong, and referee Bram Van Driessche also saw no mistake. However, the VAR intervened and called the referee to the screen. After more than three minutes, Van Driessche decided that the ball should be placed on the spot. Madsen converted the penalty and made it 0-1. Before half-time, Westerlo continued along the lines of the opening match against Cercle Brugge. Stassin tried with a subtle back heel, but his attempt fluttered wide. A little later, Westerlo was awarded a penalty for a foul by Raemaekers on Sayyadmanesh. Referee Bram Van Driessche initially saw no problem with it, but after a VAR intervention of more than four minutes, he nevertheless awarded the penalty. Madsen had never missed from the penalty spot and this time he sent De Wolf the wrong way: 0-1. The ball ended up on the head of an unmarked Vuskovic via a corner kick from Haspolat. The new Westelse defender easily nodded the 0-2 into the goal. The Croat also seemed to have injured himself in this phase and was substituted after the break.
In the second half, Sayyadmanesh had the chance to kill the game, but forgot to score. Substitute Storm provided hope with the connecting goal. It gave the players and the audience wings. Malinwa got into trouble when it defended poorly and substitute Alcócer was able to score his first goal in Westerlo’s service. Westerlo was not yet certain of victory. Ortakaya pushed Lauberbach a bit too conspicuously into the penalty area and, via VAR intervention, KV Mechelen was also awarded a penalty. Pflücke converted the penalty and gave KV Mechelen hope once again. The Mechelen team was aiming for the 3-3, but it was Westerlo who were able to increase the score even further. A header from Frigan decided the match.
KV Mechelen faces a three-game series that should not be underestimated: Standard away, Anderlecht at home and Antwerp away.
KV Mechelen – KVC Westerlo 2-4
press conference after the match
