Standard Liège vs Westerlo

Westerlo delivered a gut-punch to Standard de Liège's European ambitions with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Sclessin on Saturday. The win was sealed by Dylan Ourega's towering header in the 86th minute, condemning the Rouches to a painful defeat in the Europe Playoffs. Nacho Ferri set the tone early, tucking away an Adnane Abid assist in the 10th minute to put Westerlo ahead. The contest swung decisively when Josué Homawoo was sent off in the 65th for a last-man foul on Ferri. Despite the disadvantage, substitute Timothée Nkada levelled in the 76th, finishing a slick combination involving Ayensa and Abid. But Ourega rose to head home from a corner ten minutes later to break Standard hearts. Rafiki Saïd had earlier squandered a golden one-on-one chance that could have changed the story entirely. The defeat leaves Standard three points adrift of Westerlo in the Europe Playoffs standings — a serious blow to their continental hopes. Westerlo, meanwhile, are firmly in the driving seat for a European berth next season.