Zulte Waregem vs Cercle Brugge
Elindus Arena
L. Visser
2025/2026
Match Report
The relegation play-offs burst into life at the Elindus Arena as Zulte-Waregem and Cercle Brugge played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. The opener will be remembered for Joseph Opoku's astonishing miss in front of an empty goal in the 88th minute.
Edan Diop gave Cercle Brugge the lead on 28 minutes before Laurent Lemoine headed home from an Enrique Lofolomo cross on 59 minutes to level. Oumar Diakité restored the visitors' advantage from the penalty spot (71') after Jakob Kiilerich fouled Dante Vanzeir in the box.
Substitute Malick Mbaye equalised just six minutes later, firing into the roof of the net to make it 2-2. Diop thought he had won it for Cercle, but his strike was ruled out for offside — before Opoku somehow missed from point-blank range after goalkeeper Warleson's howler.
The third draw between these sides this season means neither team gains an early edge in the relegation play-offs. Both will need to find a cutting edge quickly to avoid finishing bottom and facing a potential relegation showdown.
Match Events
16'
26'
51'
57'
58'
58'
59'
65'
65'
69'
76'
77'
82'
(Goal Disallowed - offside)
83'
83'
86'
89'
90+2'
16'
26'
51'
57'
58'
58'
59'
65'
65'
69'
76'
77'
82'
(Goal Disallowed - offside)
83'
83'
89'
90+2'
Statistics
54%Possession46%
6Shots10
2Shots on Target5
8Corners3
12Fouls16
2Offsides4
2Yellow Cards3
397Passes339
3Saves0
Injuries & Suspensions
Zulte Waregem
Head to Head
16
Zulte Waregem wins
12
Draws
15
Cercle Brugge wins
Goals: 78 - 72

