Gent vs Mechelen
Planet Group Arena
J. Boterberg
2025/2026
Match Report
KAA Gent were seconds away from a winning start to the Champions' Play-offs, but Bill Antonio shattered the home crowd's joy with a stunning 90+5' equalizer to hand KV Mechelen a 1-1 draw.
The hosts had led since the 15th minute when Max Dean pounced on a through-ball expertly worked by Skóras and Leonardo Lopes. Gent controlled the first half but faded after the break. Goalkeeper Davy Roef kept them ahead with three rapid saves around the 75th minute, before Mathis Servais set up Antonio in a chaotic box scramble and the Mechelen striker finished emphatically.
The result is bittersweet for both sides. KV Mechelen salvage a precious point on their Champions' Play-offs debut — their first in 15 years — while Gent are left to rue another missed opportunity, having won just one of ten play-off games last season.
Match Events
15'
46'
67'
68'
90'
90'
90+5'
90+6'
15'
46'
68'
90'
90'
90+5'
90+6'
Statistics
35%Possession65%
6Shots8
4Shots on Target6
5Corners10
9Fouls7
1Offsides0
1Yellow Cards0
318Passes579
4Saves3
Injuries & Suspensions
Head to Head
31
Gent wins
18
Draws
10
Mechelen wins
Goals: 110 - 63

