KAA Gent has taken sole leadership of the Jupiler Pro League following a convincing 0-3 away victory over Cercle Brugge. The match at the Jan Breydelstadion was decided by an own goal from Kakou, a penalty from Tibe De Vlieger and a late strike from Seck, as reported by Sporza Voetbal.
This win gives Gent a perfect fifteen points from five matches. Coach Rik De Mil had already outlined the stakes beforehand. "With a win today they can even take the lead alone," De Mil said. That mission was accomplished. The club currently sits fourth in the standings with twelve points from four games, having scored seven goals and conceded just two. They trail leaders Union St. Gilloise by a single point.
How did the chance-starved first half unfold?
The first half offered few clear opportunities. Cercle Brugge, who had only two points from twelve matches before this game and were yet to win this season, failed to create dangerous finishes. The home side had an xG of 0.00 at halftime. The only goal before the break came from a mistake by defender Kakou, who turned the ball into his own net in the 21st minute. For Gent, attacker Balikwisha made his first start and Volckaert returned as right wing-back.
Sonko was the most dangerous player on the pitch for the visitors. Cercle coach Friis tried to change things with substitutions, taking Michal off for Erick after 58 minutes. Gent's defence, with Burgess making multiple headed clearances, held firm however. Goalkeeper Roef had little to do, although Diakite provided a cross that he had to save.
What broke the game open for Gent?
After the break, Gent put the match to bed. In the 67th minute, coach De Mil introduced fresh legs with substitutes Benes and Seck for Balikwisha and Sonko. Shortly after, in the 79th minute, Gent won a penalty after Kondo handled the ball in the box. The VAR reviewed the incident and referee Yusuke Araki pointed to the spot.
Tibe De Vlieger stepped up. "He takes his responsibility and kicks the ball hard but placed into the right corner," according to the coverage. Goalkeeper Coucke had no answer for the shot. The 0-2 was the decisive blow. A few minutes later, substitute Seck completed the scoring on the counter-attack, firing home to make it 0-3.
What does this win mean for the schedule?
The victory firmly plants Gent in the title picture. The team can now look ahead with confidence to their next fixture. That is an away match against KRC Genk on September 13. Genk currently sits eighth in the table. The full fixtures schedule is available online.
Gent's squad is dealing with some absences. Christiaan Ravych has left for Racing Genk and Dante Vanzeir was ineligible due to a clause in his loan agreement. Hyllarion Goore is also currently sidelined. For up-to-date information on the treatment room, the injuries page can be consulted. The next test awaits in just over a week's time in Genk.
