A lifeline, a penalty and the red lantern
It was "all-or-nothing" for Lokeren coach Georges Leekens in a home match against KV Kortrijk. Nothing else but a victory would do after some poor results - and poor football - in recent weeks. But what happened? Lokeren played a strong game and deservedly took the 3 points, beating Kortrijk 2-1.
Leaders Zulte Waregem were held to a draw by top-6 challengers Charleroi (1-1). The difference? Zulte Waregem missed a penalty, while Charleroi didn't. At 1-all, shortly after Charleroi had equalised through a penalty, Zulte striker Mbaye Leye had the chance to put his team in front again - but he missed.
A new coach, a different team
At the bottom of the table, Westerlo leapfrogged Waasland-Beveren by taking it 1-0 in a direct battle. Westerlo have picked up 6 points from their last 2 games under their new coach Jacky Mathijssen (photo) - they had just 1 point from 7 games under their previous coach. The renowned "shock effect" by installing a new coach, it still exists.
Excelsior Mouscron took it 1-4 at newcomers Eupen - a small surprise after Eupen had played well in their previous home games, making life hard for top teams like Anderlecht.
On Friday, KV Oostende were held to a draw by Sint-Truiden. Ostend lost the 3 points when the Canaries equalised in extra time (2-2).
Super Sunday
More action this afternoon on "Super Sunday" which sees two classics, Club Brugge-AA Gent and Standard-Anderlecht, and also Racing Genk-KV Mechelen.
The table is far from complete yet, but Zulte Waregem have the lead with 20 points from 9 games. Charleroi have 16, but Anderlecht, Standard and AA Gent (all 15) can move up later today. Kortrijk and Oostende have 14 points.
