Gent vs Mechelen

Gent kicked off their Pro League campaign in style, seeing off KV Mechelen 2-0 at the Planet Group Arena. The hosts were the better side throughout, controlling possession and peppering the visitors' goal, with Tiago Araujo the standout performer on the night. Araujo broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, and Gent doubled their lead just before halftime when Josue Vergara tapped in from a Momodou Sonko assist in the 45th minute. Mechelen made an early change, swapping Gora Diouf for Kobe Corbanie in the 28th minute, but never troubled the scoreboard. Massimo Decoene picked up a late yellow card in the 85th minute as frustration grew, while Gent boss Rik De Mil later withdrew Vergara for Ibrahima Cisse. It was a strong start for Gent, who out-shot their opponents 15 to 5 and looked comfortable throughout. KV Mechelen head home with a tough opening-day defeat and plenty to work on before their next fixture.