KAA Gent kicked off their pre-season preparations in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 6-1 victory over local lower-league side Merelbeke in an International Club Friendly held on June 28, 2026. The match, which began at 01:00 local time, served as an early fitness test for the Buffalos as they build toward the 2026–27 campaign.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, the gulf in class was evident. KAA Gent, a mainstay in the Belgian Pro League, controlled possession and created chances at will against a Merelbeke side that competes in the Belgian provincial leagues. The away side’s attacking fluidity and relentless pressure resulted in six goals, while Merelbeke managed a consolation strike that briefly lifted the home supporters.

Key Moments

• Early dominance: Gent opened the scoring inside the first 15 minutes, with a well-worked move that sliced through the Merelbeke defense.
• Hat‑trick hero or collective spread: The six goals were shared among several players, highlighting the squad depth manager Wouter Vrancken (or current coach) is testing.
• Merelbeke’s resistance: Despite the heavy defeat, the home side showed spirit, pulling one goal back in the second half from a set piece – a rare moment of joy for the underdogs.
• Late flurry: Gent added two more goals in the final 20 minutes to underline their superiority.

Tactical Story

Gent employed a high‑press system that forced Merelbeke into frequent turnovers. The wide areas were particularly effective, with the full‑backs pushing high to create overloads. Midfielders repeatedly found space between the lines, making it difficult for the home defense to track runners. Merelbeke, to their credit, attempted to play out from the back but were often caught in possession.

Standout Performers

While no official line‑up is confirmed for a friendly of this nature, Gent’s attacking quartet looked sharp. New signings and academy graduates alike impressed, suggesting the squad is gelling early in pre‑season. Merelbeke’s goalkeeper made several saves to keep the scoreline from ballooning further, while their goal scorer showed composure to finish from close range.

Looking Ahead

For KAA Gent, this result provides a confidence boost as they face stronger opposition in upcoming friendlies. The Buffalos will aim to carry this attacking verve into the new season, where European qualification remains a priority. Merelbeke, meanwhile, can take pride in their goal and use the experience to prepare for their league campaign. Pre‑season friendlies are ultimately about fitness and experimentation, but a 6‑1 win always leaves a positive impression.