Again no victory for Standard in the play-offs: STVV keeps Rouches in check and takes a point from Sclessin

No Bodart – slightly injured – in goal for the Rouches, nor Balikwisha in the starting line-up. Four changes at STVV compared to the match against AA Gent: Bertaccini was allowed to start. Together with Barnes, he was preferred to attacking wings Koïta and Steuckers. A test with a view to next season. Captain Godeau started on the bench in favor of Van Helden, who returned to the eleven after a concussion. Smets therefore became captain of the Canaries. Ogawa pushed Bocat to the bench on the left.

Van Helden started with a too short back pass to Suzuki after just forty seconds, the Japanese goalkeeper reached the ball a fraction earlier than Yeboah, who was hit hard by the ball. Yeboah was briefly felled, the ball went wide – luckily for STVV. Sclessin woke up immediately.

Just before fifteen minutes it was already a hit for STVV. Delorge put Bertaccini on his way through the center. The action of the Liège native was sublime. First he freed himself with a heel behind the supporting leg, and then put Ogawa alone in front of goal. The Japanese scored twice: 0-1.

Photo: BELGA

Standard did not respond immediately, although Suzuki did injure himself when Janssens also played too short back to the goalkeeper. Suzuki seemed to be preparing to make a substitution, but then continued playing. There were no balls between the posts from the home team, but Suzuki had to distinguish himself on a few crosses during the first half. Still with painful grimaces after the phase with Yeboah. Coppens warmed up. Needless, as it turns out.

Leko with statement

Only seven minutes before half-time was Standard able to threaten again through best man Yeboah. Once again after a cross he took off with a breakaway shot from close range. Nice volley, again not within the frame: the ball zoomed over. Ivan Leko was not satisfied anyway, he made that clear with a substitution before the break. Djenepo had to make way. STVV controlled in the final phase of the first half. With Vanwesemael, Bertaccini and Ogawa putting in a strong performance, Barnes disappointed.

Shortly after the camp change, a great opportunity came for the Rouches. Price and Sowah missed after a cross from the left. A minute later, an opportunity was even greater for Yeboah. This time the ball hit the post via Van Helden. Van Helden hero. The lid on the nose almost came off the other side. Epolo fired a kick from Barnes, Bertaccini had to swerve a little too far for the rebound. Three chances in two minutes.

Standard immediately pushed ahead and Suzuki now kept Yeboah from scoring the equalizer with a swipe of his feet. The pace was a lot higher than before half time. Bertaccini also had a great scoring opportunity after a cross from Ogawa. The header was undersized, Bertaccini clutched his hair.

At the back, Smets had to do everything he could to keep Standard from 1-1, but the Liège pressure remained. Ogawa gave away an easy corner. It was headed in by Panzo: 1-1.

Photo: BELGA

Steuckers comes in and drops out

Fink took Kaya and Steuckers off the bench, but Steuckers immediately injured himself on his first action. Hopefully without serious damage for him, which will remain to be seen later. Koïta came, chances for 2-1 also came, on both sides. Suzuki played with fire, but Ito also threatened twice with a shot.

Janssens escapes new penalty scenario

In order to continue to claim eighth place – because KV Mechelen won earlier on Saturday – Sint-Truiden had to continue to go for the full spoils. The victory did not come. The film from the regular competition played out again for Wolke Janssens. Deep into injury time, Janssens made hands after an inswinger. Penalty, judged Boterberg, who was called to the screen. The VAR recalled Boterberg because Kanga pushed towards Janssens. STVV – and especially Janssens – heaved a sigh. This was the fifth consecutive draw for Standard.

Photo: BELGA

STANDARD: Epolo, Noubi, Laifis, Panzo, Sahabo, Price, Kawabe, Sowah, Djenepo, Yeboah, Kanga.

STVV: Suzuki – Janssens, Smets, Van Helden – Vanwesemael, Delorge, Ito, Ogawa – Barnes, Bertaccini, Zahiroleslam.

Replacements: 41′ Djenepo by Balikwisha, 67′ Barnes by Steuckers, 67′ Zahiroleslam by Kaya, 70′ Steuckers by Koïta, 77′ Sowah by Canak, 77′ Panzo by Fossey, 84′ Bertaccini by Ananou, 84′ Ito by Dumont.

Goals: 13′ Ogawa 0-1, 63′ Panzo 1-1 .

Yellow cards: Zahiroleslam (foul), Delorge (foul).

Referee: Jan Boterberg.

Spectators: 9,853.