KAA Gent returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Oud-Heverlee Leuven in the Belgian Pro League on Thursday evening, as the Buffaloes edged an evenly contested affair at the Ghelamco Arena. The result was secured thanks to a solitary second-half goal, and it offered Gent a welcome boost after a string of mixed results in the opening weeks of the campaign.

A narrow but meaningful win for Gent

In front of their own supporters, Gent knew that dropping more points would be costly in the chase for the upper half of the Pro League table. Oud-Heverlee Leuven, though, made life uncomfortable with a disciplined shape that frustrated the home side for long periods. The first half was particularly scrappy, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Gent grew into the match after the break, and the breakthrough came just after the hour when a fast, direct transition carved open the Leuven defence.

Key moment and match detail

Gent’s winner arrived in the 63rd minute. A patient buildup on the right flank saw the full-back overlap and deliver an inviting low cross. The lead striker’s near-post run created just enough space for a team-mate to get the decisive touch at the far post, turning the ball in from close range. Leuven responded by pushing higher up the pitch and introducing fresh attacking legs, but Gent’s central defenders stood strong and limited the visitors to speculative efforts from distance.

Tactical story: Patience beats the low block

Oud-Heverlee Leuven came to the Ghelamco with a clear defensive plan, dropping into a 5-4-1 block and forcing Gent to work the ball around the perimeter. Gent’s early attempts to play through the middle were repeatedly smothered, but the coaching staff adjusted the shape in the second half, moving the wingers into half-spaces and creating overloads down the left. That tactical tweak made the difference, pulling defenders out of position and producing the extra yard needed for the opening goal.

Standout performers

• Gent’s midfield anchor — covered the most ground, won crucial duels, and helped quell Leuven’s rare counter-attacks.
• The creative right-back — provided the all-important assist and was a consistent outlet in the final third.
• Leuven’s central defenders — generally resolute and clearly frustrated the hosts for nearly an hour.

What the result means

Gent’s three-point haul sees them climb the early Belgian Pro League standings, giving them breathing room before a demanding stretch of fixtures. For Oud-Heverlee Leuven, the narrow loss is a bitter one — they competed well and showed tactical discipline, but the lack of a cutting edge in attack continues to be their major concern. Gent, by contrast, will take confidence from a clean sheet and the resilience shown to grind out a professional victory.