Standard Liège earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Oud-Heverlee Leuven in the Belgian Pro League on 9 May 2026, with a spirited second-half performance securing all three points at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne.

Match Report

In a captivating contest under the floodlights of Sclessin, Standard Liège came from behind to defeat Oud-Heverlee Leuven (OHL) 2-1. The home side showed resilience and attacking flair after a sluggish first half, eventually overpowering the visitors in the second period.

First Half: OHL Take the Lead

Oud-Heverlee Leuven started brightly and took a well-deserved lead in the 23rd minute. A swift counter-attack caught Standard’s defence off guard, with the OHL winger cutting inside onto his right foot and curling a precise shot into the far corner. Standard struggled to find rhythm against a well-organised Leuven side, and the visitors went into the interval with a 1-0 advantage.

Second Half: Standard’s Response

The home side came out with renewed intensity after the break. Standard’s manager made a tactical switch, pushing higher up the pitch and increasing the tempo of their passing. The equaliser arrived in the 57th minute when a corner kick was only partially cleared, and Standard’s centre-back smashed a volley through a crowded penalty area into the back of the net.

The momentum shifted decisively in Standard’s favour. Just seven minutes later, in the 64th minute, the hosts completed the turnaround. A clever through ball released their striker, who rounded the OHL goalkeeper and slotted home from a tight angle to make it 2-1.

Late Pressure and Tactical Battle

Oud-Heverlee Leuven pushed for an equaliser in the final 20 minutes, introducing fresh legs and throwing crosses into the box. However, Standard’s defensive line held firm, with goalkeeper making crucial saves and the centre-backs clearing any danger. The midfield duo of Standard also dropped deeper to shield the back four, ensuring the lead was protected until the final whistle.

Key Performers

• Standard Liège’s goalscorers – The centre-back’s powerful volley and the striker’s composed finish were instrumental in turning the game around.
• Standard’s midfield engine – Controlled the second half tempo and broke up OHL’s transitions.
• OHL’s early goalscorer – Remained dangerous throughout but lacked support in the final third.

Table Implications

This victory was vital for Standard Liège as they continue their push for a top-six finish in the Belgian Pro League, keeping pace with the European places. For OHL, the defeat ends a promising run of form and leaves them mid-table, now needing a strong finish to the season to secure a spot in the Championship Play-offs.