RAAL La Louvière 1-2 KAA Gent: Visitors strike late to edge Belgian Pro League thriller

KAA Gent survived a determined second-half fightback from RAAL La Louvière to claim a 2-1 victory at the opening weekend of the new Belgian Pro League season. The match, played on 16 August 2026, delivered drama, intensity, and a late decisive goal that underlined Gent’s ambitions for the campaign ahead.

Match overview

Gent arrived at La Louvière as clear favourites, but the newly-promoted home side made life difficult throughout. The hosts matched their more illustrious opponents physically and created several promising moments, yet it was Gent’s quality in the final third that ultimately proved decisive. The result gave the Buffaloes three valuable points and sent an early message to their title rivals.

Key moments

• Gent break through: The visitors opened the scoring in the first half with a well-worked attacking move, finishing calmly past the La Louvière goalkeeper.
• La Louvière equalise: After the interval, RAAL responded with renewed energy, levelling the match with a determined strike that sparked wild celebrations among the home support.
• Late winner: Just when the game seemed destined for a draw, Gent found the winning goal in the closing stages, capitalising on a defensive lapse to secure all three points.

Tactical story

La Louvière set up in a compact mid-block, looking to frustrate Gent and hit on the counter-attack. The approach worked for large periods, with the home side pressing aggressively and forcing turnovers in midfield. Gent, meanwhile, relied on width and quick combinations between their attacking midfielders. As the match wore on, the visitors' superior depth and composure in possession began to tell.

Standout players

Gent’s match-winner was the clear standout, showing sharp movement and clinical finishing. For La Louvière, their goalscorer and central defender impressed, the latter winning several important aerial duels and organising the backline under sustained pressure.

Season impact

The victory gives KAA Gent an early boost in the Belgian Pro League standings, while RAAL La Louvière will take encouragement from a competitive display despite the narrow defeat. With the fixture schedule still in its infancy, both teams will look to build on this performance in the weeks to come.