Excelsior Mouscron kicked off their pre-season campaign with a narrow but encouraging 1-0 victory over RAEC Mons on August 13, 2026. Playing in the International Club Friendly, the Belgian side controlled long stretches of the game and found the decisive goal during a match that offered valuable minutes to a mix of established starters and younger prospects.

The friendly atmosphere at the stadium did not stop both teams from playing with intent. Mouscron showed good pressing from the front early on, forcing Mons into a handful of defensive mistakes in their own half. The home side created the clearer chances in the opening exchanges, although Mons grew into the match and proved dangerous from set pieces. The breakthrough finally arrived when Mouscron sliced open the visiting defence after a patient build-up, converting from close range to take a deserved lead into the interval.

Second-half response and match control

RAEC Mons pushed higher after the restart in search of an equaliser, shifting their shape to get more bodies forward. However, Mouscron defended resolutely and offered a threat on the counter-attack, with their wingers causing problems in wide areas. The hosts might have doubled their advantage on several occasions, but a combination of wayward finishing and solid goalkeeping kept the scoreline at 1-0.

Mons nearly snatched a late draw with a well-struck shot from the edge of the area, but Mouscron's goalkeeper made a sharp save to preserve the clean sheet. The result gives the coaching staff a platform to build on as the team continues its preparation for the competitive season.

What the friendly means

• Minutes for the squad: Mouscron used the fixture to spread playing time among senior players and academy talents.
• Defensive solidity: A disciplined performance from the back line will please the coaching staff.
• Room for improvement: The 1-0 margin could have been bigger, but Mouscron's attacking flow was promising.

For both sides, the match served as another step in pre-season testing. Excelsior Mouscron will take confidence from the win, while RAEC Mons will focus on the positives from their second-half display as they continue their preparation.