Fortress RAAL: Newly promoted RAAL La Louviere already settling in to their new home | OneFootball

RAAL La Louviere produced one of the biggest surprises of the Belgian Pro League this past weekend with a 1-0 win over Club Brugge. While they were fortunate that Club’s star Greek winger Cristos Tzolis missed a 97th minute penalty, it marked the third game in a row that the newly promoted side have kept a clean sheet at home. Given that the side are playing in their new stadium for the first time this season, it is an encouraging sign that they have quicky adapted to the new surroundings in a tougher league.

While the Club Brugge result was impressive, the 0-0 draw with Union St Gilloise, the only unbeaten side so far this season, shows how well RAAL La Louviere are defending at home. Even when the defence falters, the side have one of the best performing goalkeepers in the league this season. Argentinian shot stopper Marcos Peano has really stepped up in the sides move from the Challenger Pro League to the Pro League. In each of the home matches where he kept a clean sheet, the 26-year-old has been a candidate or the nominated man of the match.

Another helpful element of the RAAL La Louviere defence and their home success has been club captain Wagane Faye. The Senegalese defender was part of the RFC Seraing side that was promoted a few seasons ago, but he never got a chance in the Pro League and left after the side avoided relegation in their first year. Faye joined RAAL and has become an integral part of their defence in recent seasons, and so far this season he has been a real leader in terms of performances and general leadership on and off the pitch.

So far, the move from the Stade du Tivoli to the Easi Arena has gone well on and off the pitch. There are still a few concerns around the new stadium for away fans, but on the pitch RAAL La Louviere have really adapted to their new surroundings. The season is still early, and if the side want to avoid relegation they will need to play above themselves. However, if Peano can continue to impress in goal and the side can really make the Easi Arena a fortress, their chances are definitely enhanced.

If you want to learn more about RAAL La Louviere, the Belgian Football Podcast did a special episode with Sporting Director David Verwilghen to discuss the Walloon clubs dramatic rise to the Pro League. You can listen to the episode here.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson