KV Mechelen and FCV Dender EH shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the AFAS Stadion in the Belgian Pro League. It was a match where the away side will feel they deserved more after taking the lead and creating the better chances throughout. Dender EH surprised the home crowd by scoring a well-taken goal on the counter-attack in the first half. Mechelen struggled to break down a resolute Dender defense for long periods but finally found an equalizer from the penalty spot with about fifteen minutes remaining. The home side pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Dender held on for a point that is valuable in their fight against relegation. The result keeps Mechelen in mid-table obscurity, while the point could prove crucial for Dender's survival hopes. The Mechelen manager was frustrated with his team's slow start, and the Dender coach praised his team's discipline. Mechelen's starting lineup included several attacking changes, but they lacked cohesion for much of the match.