Mechelen vs Gent

KV Mechelen edged past KAA Gent 1-0 in the Championship Play-offs at Achter de Kazerne, with goalkeeper Nacho Mirás saving a second-half penalty to secure a landmark victory. Bouke Boersma gave Mechelen the lead in the 16th minute, converting after a neat flick from Kerim Mrabti. Gent rarely threatened in the first half, and despite coach De Mil sending on three fresh attackers at the break, they still couldn't break through. Their best chance came in the 69th minute when Abdelkahar Kadri stepped up from the spot after Redouane Halhal fouled Cissé — but Mirás guessed right and palmed it away. The result is Mechelen's first ever win over Gent in Play-off 1, lifting them to fifth place, just a point behind Anderlecht. For Gent, who have managed just two goals across six play-off games, it's another damaging blow — they drop to the bottom of the Championship Group with their European hopes fading fast.