Since the promotion of the Mannekes, it was the first reunion between rivals KV Mechelen and Beerschot at the highest level. It has become clear that it will be a major challenge for Beerschot to remain at that level. The two teams will soon meet in the cup.
With starting places for Vanheusden, Belghali, Storm and Raman, Besnik Hasi had made some striking choices. Kuyt only changed his team in one place: Henderson was given a place in midfield. The progress at Beerschot in recent weeks was largely due to an improved organization. KV Mechelen initially had few problems in breaking through.
That resulted in several opportunities with Raman in a leading role. Foulon found the striker within the first fifteen seconds. Shinton stood firm. The Beerschot goalkeeper would distinguish himself several more times. First on a shot from Storm and the restart from Raman. When the latter appeared face to face with him and opted for a marker, Shinton did enough to get in the way.
KVM does not decide it at the beginning
A generous Mechelen lead in the opening quarter could have been achieved, but then the game pattern changed. Beerschot started playing more virile and applying pressure. KV played football more difficult. Verlinden also threatened via his left flank, De Wolf’s sweep was necessary. The yellow-red team also converted Dagba’s attempt into a corner kick. So both goalkeepers were at the appointment.
A spectacular score at half time seemed to be in the making, until the home team made twenty messy minutes forget with a standstill phase. Touba headed home at the far post on Schoofs’ bouncing free kick (1-0). Even with that lead on the board, Mechelen football remained quite messy. The home team was the first to threaten after the break: Mrabti tested Shinton after a corner kick.
Raman clears all doubts
The offensive immaturity cost Beerschot dearly. With his header from Hairemans’ cross, Raman ensured that KVM could enter the last twenty minutes with peace of mind (2-0). Pflücke set the climax in extra time with a free kick in the right corner: good for the 3-0. For the time being, KVM is playing a leapfrog with Anderlecht, which knows what to do against Ghent. Beerschot is disconsolately last.
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