Belgian Pro League review - Ghent vs Mechelen

07 August 2014 12:41

Only one team seemed to be present in the first half, and that was Mechelen. Ghent was nowhere to be found, unable to string together an even half-decent attack, losing the ball to the opponents time and time again. Strangely enough, Mechelen did not score until well into the first half’s extra time, with Kosanovic netting the penalty.

As bad as the first half was, Ghent came out swinging after the break. Having switched from a 3-5-2 to an attacking 4-3-3, the team showed more balance and a better organization, with much better accuracy in passing, thanks to metronome Sven Kums. The attack was led by Yaya Soumahoro, who came in for a disappointing Puljic at half-time. He rushed at Mechelen’s defence, and proved to be too much to handle at times, ultimately providing the assist for Depoitre.

Having scored the equalizer, the home side smelled blood. On the hour, Depoitre passed it deep to youngster Benito Raman, who ran through the defence and slotted it home. Mechelen had all but given up, and were pushed back even more by a rejuvenated Ghent. Keeper Sels had to keep out a dangerous header, but more than that Mechelen could not bring.

In the closing stages, Laurent Depoitre – he again – finished the job with a powerful shot. Ghent’s transformation had been completed, and kept home the points.

Source: DSG