Brussels side RWD Molenbeek were eliminated from play-offs despite beating Lokeren-Temse in the Promotion Play-offs in the Challenger Pro League in a dramatic finish on Sunday evening.
Lokeren-Temse, having won the first leg 2-0, found themselves trailing 3-0 until five minutes before time, seeming destined for defeat. However, two late goals turned the game around. Simultaneously, Patro Eisden Maasmechelen once again proved too strong for Beveren.
RWD Molenbeek needed an early goal and the Edmond Machtens stadium watched the home team urgently pursuing the opener. Just after half an hour, they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Jonas Vinck. Striker Mickaël Biron converted the penalty in the 35th minute.
Sapata scored from a rebound in the 54th minute, making it 2-0 and resetting the game on aggregate. The Brussels side pushed further, and Gaetan Robail netted a deserved third goal in the 72nd minute, placing it in the far corner. A rocket from Radja Nainggolan in the 86th minute and a skilful tap-in by Samuel Ntamack in the 90th minute sealed the fate of Molenbeek.
RWDM's Michael Biro celebrates after scoring during match between RWD Molenbeek and KSC Lokeren-Temse, Sunday 27 April 2025 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / John Thys
At the Freethiel, Patro defended their 3-2 victory from the first leg. Beveren midfielder Christian Brüls received a red card after just over half an hour for a retaliatory foul, which aided the Limburgers. Vicky Kiankaulua scored for Stijn Stijnen’s team in the 34th minute after a swift counterattack, and Stef Peeters confirmed the Waaslanders’ fate with another goal in the 57th minute to make it 0-2. Lennart Mertens’ 88th-minute goal made it 1-2, but it was merely a footnote.
Lokeren-Temse and Patro will meet on 3 and 11 May (each at 16:00) in a two-legged final for the Promotion Play-offs. An ultimate clash follows on 18 May (19:15) and 23 May (20:45) against the second team from the Relegation play-offs in the first division, with the last spot in the Jupiler Pro League at stake.
