Sint-Truidense claimed a narrow 1-0 away win over Midtjylland in their UEFA Europa Conference League league-phase match at the MCH Arena on 23 October 2026, with a second-half goal from Adriano Bertaccini proving enough to secure all three points.

Midtjylland dominated possession for long spells but struggled to turn their control into clear chances. Sint-Truiden defended with discipline, rode their luck at times and struck on the counter to claim a valuable European victory.

Match overview

The Danish hosts started brightly and pinned Sint-Truiden back early on, with Darío Osorio and Franculino Djú both testing the visitors’ defence. However, the Belgian side’s goalkeeper Leo Kokubo produced a string of important saves to keep the game level.

Sint-Truiden grew into the match and found the breakthrough in the 58th minute. A quick turnover in midfield released Bertaccini down the left channel, and the striker drove into the box before firing a low shot across the goalkeeper and into the far corner. Midtjylland pushed hard for an equaliser and thought they had found one in the 81st minute, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up. The hosts continued to pile forward, but Sint-Truiden’s back line held firm through five minutes of stoppage time.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Leo Kokubo saves well from Darío Osorio after a sharp Midtjylland move.
• 37th minute: Franculino Djú heads wide from a good position as the hosts increase the pressure.
• 58th minute: Adriano Bertaccini scores the only goal with a low finish on the counter.
• 81st minute: Midtjylland have an equaliser ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
• 90+3rd minute: Kokubo claims a dangerous cross to secure the win for Sint-Truiden.

Tactical story

Midtjylland’s game plan revolved around sustained possession and quick switches of play, but Sint-Truiden’s compact 4-4-2 block made it difficult for the hosts to find pockets of space in the final third. The Belgian side were happy to concede territory and defend their box, relying on Bertaccini’s pace on the break.

As Midtjylland committed more players forward in the second half, the game opened up. Sint-Truiden’s winning goal came from exactly the kind of transition they had been waiting for, and their defensive discipline in the closing stages proved just as important as the finish.

Standout performers

Bertaccini’s match-winning goal was the obvious highlight, but Kokubo’s saves were equally crucial. The goalkeeper’s command of his area gave Sint-Truiden the platform to stay in the game. For Midtjylland, Osorio was the liveliest attacking threat, while Djú worked hard but lacked service in the decisive moments.

What it means

The win gives Sint-Truiden a major confidence boost in the Conference League league phase and proves they can compete away from home against stronger opposition. Midtjylland remain with work to do, and their inability to convert possession into goals will be a concern as they look to climb the standings.