Antwerp - STVV - 2026-2027
Antwerp and Lommel United faced off in a highly anticipated Jupiler Pro League encounter on August 31, 2026. Both sides entered the pitch looking to establish dominance in a match that promised plenty of tactical intrigue and high-energy football.
Antwerp Strike Early
The contest began with Antwerp showing immediate intent, pushing high up the pitch to disrupt the visitors' rhythm. Their aggression paid off as early as the 9th minute when Ryotaro Araki found the back of the net, giving the home side a perfect start. Lommel United struggled to create meaningful openings, and their frustration became evident when Leo Kokubo picked up a yellow card in the 28th minute. The first half concluded with the hosts maintaining a disciplined lead, though the game remained physically contested.
Second Half Surge
The dynamic of the match shifted significantly after the break as Antwerp introduced fresh legs. Snayder Porozo made an immediate impact, scoring in the 58th minute to double the lead. The momentum stayed firmly with the hosts, especially after the introduction of Samed Bazdar. In the 73rd minute, Bazdar combined with Ryan Merlen to make it three, effectively ending the game as a contest.
Lommel United's defense continued to crumble under the constant pressure. Just three minutes after the third goal, Kaito Matsuzawa added a fourth in the 76th minute, again assisted by the clinical Ryan Merlen. Despite the game being out of reach, the intensity remained high, leading to yellow cards for both Merlen and Bazdar as the clock ticked down.
Final Flourish and Dominance
As the match entered stoppage time, Antwerp refused to take their foot off the gas. In the 90th minute, Ilias Sebaoui provided a pinpoint assist for Samed Bazdar, who slotted home his second goal of the evening to complete the rout. The final whistle blew after six minutes of added time, marking a comprehensive victory for Antwerp and a tactical masterclass that left Lommel United searching for answers in a one-sided affair.
