Neeskens Kebano – the main man for Charleroi. Image – RTBF
In the second round of matches, as in the first, all three home teams won. This means that the positions in the table are exactly the same as at the end of the classic season. The performance of the second round came from Standard Liege who defeated Anderlecht 3-1 with two goals and an assist from the returning Imoh Ezekiel. Anderlecht didn’t turn up and Besnik Hasi’s rather bizarre selection and formation (Frank Acheampong behind the striker, Dennis Praet on the wing, Chancel Mbemba at right back etc.) was no help.
Club Brugge showed the first signs of playing on three fronts this season and were well beaten by a Kortrijk side that was tactically and physically better. Finally, although Gent had enough possession to win, Charleroi took the three points with a double from Neeskens Kebano – the second in the 92nd minute. Kebano started at PSG and now has a point to prove. It would be no surprise if he moved in the summer.
Results: Kortrijk 2 Club Brugge 0; Charleroi 2 Gent 1; Standard 3 Anderlecht 1.
Standings: Club Brugge 34, Gent 32, Anderlecht 32, Standard 30, Kortrijk 29, Charleroi 28.
Men of the weekend: Ezekiel (Standard) and Kebano (Charleroi).
Playoffs 2
After a complicated procedure, the winner of the Playoffs 2 will play the team finishing fourth in the Playoffs 1, for a place in the Europa League.
In Group A, KV Mechelen and Genk both won again and will play each other next weekend. In Group B, Mouscron won and have a two-point lead at the top.
Note that Zulte Waregem, Beveren and Oostende have yet to gain any points.
Playoffs 3
Cercle Brugge won at Lierse in the second match of the five-game series and now have a three-point lead.
Leading scorers
Mitrovic (Anderlecht) 15; Emond (Beveren) 13; Santini (Kortrijk) 13.
Assists
Refaelov (Club Brugge) 11; Chevalier (Kortrijk (10); Patosi (Lokeren) 9.