The Last Dance. The final match day of the regular competition is scheduled for next weekend in the Jupiler Pro League. What else is at stake? Well, more than many think. Because every match is really important.
Champions’ Play-offs: two teams for one ticket
Are already sure: Union, Club Brugge and Antwerp
Still have a chance: Anderlecht and KAA Gent
One coveted spot remains. Will Anderlecht or KAA Gent be the last to reach the Champions’ Play-offs?
The Purple & White are back in pole position after the Buffalos, with a lead of two points. KAA Gent must therefore win at home against OH Leuven and hope that Anderlecht lose points in Kortrijk. Then Hein Vanhaezebrouck and co are still fourth.
Furthermore, Club Brugge (at home against KV Mechelen) and Antwerp (at home against Cercle) undoubtedly hope to catch up on leader Union (at home against Beerschot) for the halving of the points.
Europe Play-offs: A Limburg battle?
Are already sure: KV Mechelen and Anderlecht/KAA Gent
Still have a chance: Charleroi, Genk and STVV
The loser of the duel between Anderlecht and KAA Gent has to make peace with the Europe Play-offs, in which KV Mechelen already participates in any case.
For the other two places, it still goes between Charleroi, Genk and STVV. Certainly the Carolo’s are almost certain to participate, because a point at home against Zulte Waregem is enough. Just like Genk lost points (to Seraing) or STVV (at home against Standard).
The last ticket therefore seems to turn out to be a Limburg duel. The rivals have the same number of points and won duels, but Genk has a significantly better goal difference. Bernd Storck’s team is always certain when they win. Or if it does as well as STVV.
And what about the other matches?
Is a match like Eupen – Ostend completely unnecessary? And, for example, does Standard really have nothing to gain? Well, not necessarily.
The final score of the regular competition weighs in on the distribution of the television money. Standard, Eupen, Kortrijk, Zulte Waregem and Ostend can all rise or fall in the standings. This may yield crucial money in the future.
Given the red annual accounts, this is by no means superfluous income.
