Zulte-Waregem lose but qualify for championship group

(GSM) – Standard Liege wasted a perfect opportunity to enter the top six of the Belgian league on the last day of its regular season, losing 0-2 to Gent while Zulte-Waregem crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Mechelen.

The top six in Belgium advance to a championship group with all teams playing each other twice more.

Standard hoped for sixth-placed Zulte-Waregem to slip up at Mechelen and that is exactly what happened. An own goal from Steve Colpaert put the hosts ahead on 29 minutes and Maxime Biset doubled the advantage in the 72nd.

Zulte’s Kevin Roelandts pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 80th minute but Mechelen held on to their lead for a 2-1 win.

All Standard needed now was a win over third-placed Gent, but the visiting side were simply too strong. Mbaye Leye netted the opener in the 43rd minute and Luigi Pieroni decided the clash with five minutes left, 0-5.

As such, Zulte join Anderlecht, Club Brugge, Gent, Kortwijk and Sint-Truiden in the championship group.

Roeselare were held to a goalless draw by Westerlo and end in 15th position. As such, they will have to face a second division team in a promotion/relegation play-off.