Jupiler Pro League
Lommel United Edge Cercle Brugge in Bruges with Late Reyners Strike
T. Reyners' 61st-minute goal secured a narrow away victory for Lommel United in the Jupiler Pro League.
A tightly contested Jupiler Pro League clash at Jan Breydel Stadium saw Lommel United claim a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cercle Brugge, with T. Reyners netting the decisive goal in the 61st minute. The result leaves Cercle Brugge rooted to the bottom of the table on two points from four games, while Lommel climb to seventh with seven points. Cercle Brugge started the match in control, lining up in a disciplined 3-4-3 formation under Lars Friis, but struggled to break down a resolute Lommel United defense. The home side created a few half-chances in the opening half but failed to test the visiting goalkeeper meaningfully, and the teams went into the break level at 0-0. Lommel United, deployed in a compact 4-1-4-1 shape by Lee Johnson, looked dangerous on the counter-attack and grew into the game as the first half wore on. Their patience paid off early in the second half when a well-worked move down the left found J. Talvitie, whose incisive pass split the Cercle Brugge defense and set up T. Reyners to slot home from close range in the 61st minute. The goal shifted momentum firmly in Lommel’s favor, and they began to dominate possession in the final third. Cercle Brugge responded by pushing more players forward, but their attempts to find an equalizer were repeatedly frustrated by the visiting backline. A flurry of yellow cards in the closing stages reflected the mounting tension, with K. Kouassi receiving a late booking for the hosts. Despite their efforts, Cercle Brugge could not find a way through, and Lommel United held on for a valuable three points. The victory provides a timely boost for Lommel as they look to build momentum in the early stages of the campaign. Referee Massimiliano Ledda kept tight control throughout, ensuring the match progressed smoothly despite several contentious moments. For Cercle Brugge, the loss raises questions about their attacking effectiveness, particularly in the final third. They will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture if they hope to climb out of the relegation zone. Lommel United, meanwhile, can take confidence from their defensive solidity and clinical finishing. The win marks a positive step in their season-long ambitions, and they will be eager to carry this form into their upcoming matches. Both coaches will review the performance closely, searching for areas of improvement as the campaign develops. With just four games played, there is plenty of football left to play, and this result could prove significant in the broader context of the league table.