Excelsior Virton 1-0 Hostert: Narrow Victory in Preseason Friendly for Belgian Side

Excelsior Virton secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Luxembourg-based side Hostert in an international club friendly on July 23, 2026. The match, played at Virton's Stade Yvan Georges, offered both teams valuable minutes in their respective preseason preparations. A solitary goal was enough to separate the sides, with Virton showing efficiency in front of goal while Hostert's defense remained stubborn throughout.

Match Overview

The game began at a steady tempo, with both teams looking to establish rhythm early on. Virton, representing the Belgian National Division 1 (third tier), dominated possession but struggled to break down a well-organized Hostert backline. The breakthrough finally came in the 39th minute when Virton's left winger, Mathieu De Roeck, latched onto a through ball and finished low past the goalkeeper. Hostert had a few half-chances, but Virton's defense held firm.

In the second half, Hostert pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Virton's defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat kept them at bay. The Belgian side nearly doubled their lead but hit the post in the 78th minute. Ultimately, the 1-0 scoreline stood, giving Virton a confidence-boosting win.

Key Moments

• 39' Goal: Mathieu De Roeck scores the decisive goal after a clever pass from midfielder Jérémy Huyghe.
• 78' Post: Virton striker Théo Lommers sees his powerful shot struck against the woodwork.
• 90+2' Save: Virton goalkeeper Kevin Martin makes a crucial stop from a Hostert header to preserve the clean sheet.

Standout Performers

De Roeck's goal and overall energy on the left flank made him the standout player. Defensively, central defender Gaël Sané was excellent, winning aerial duels and organizing the backline. For Hostert, midfielder Eric Bechir showed good work rate but lacked the final pass to unlock Virton's defense.

This friendly result continues a solid preseason for Excelsior Virton, who aim to challenge for promotion in the upcoming season. Hostert, currently preparing for their Luxembourg National Division campaign, will take lessons from this tight contest.