Beerschot finding form at just the right time in the race for promotion to the Belgian Pro League | OneFootball

It is getting tense in the Challenger Pro League. With just a handful of games to go, the race to finish second is incredibly tight, with Kortrijk ahead of Beerschot by just a single point. Both sides suffered relegation from the Belgian Pro League last season and will be desperate to return at the first time of asking. While Kortrijk remain in pole position with a points advantage and a game in hand, their nearest rivals Beerschot are the form team in the league.

Beerschot, who used to share owners with Sheffield United, were sold this past summer to a Japanese ownership group. It was widely reported that part of the deal included an extra payment from the new owners to the old owners if the side were promoted. Clearly, the new owners are not too bothered about this payment. The side is currently on a six-game unbeaten run, with five wins in a row. These have also come against opponents who are chasing promotion via the play-offs. On the 14th of March, they beat RFC Liege 1-0 away from home, and then just before the latest international break, the side hammered Patro Eisden 4-0, also away from home.

The Challenger Pro League returns this weekend with Beerschot facing a trip to Eupen, another side chasing a top-six finish. After that, they face Lommel at home, again a side in the top six. Even if they win both of these games, it may not be enough to finish second.

Beerschot will therefore be hoping that runaway champions Beveren will do them a favour this weekend when they face Kortrijk. The Kerels suffered an embarrassing 4-1 defeat to struggling Franc Borains a few weeks ago, a result that could ultimately cost them come the end of the season. After the clash with unbeaten Beveren, Kortrijk end their season against RWDM.

Yet, what of their apparent game in hand? This is where things get a bit complicated. In reality, this game already took place, with the game awarded to Kortrijk as a forfeit victory over RFC Seraing. However, Seraing have appealed, as, given they are trying to avoid relegation, they want the game to be played. Given that the game was originally postponed due to a fire at the stadium, which rendered the stand unsafe and made the game unable to be played, common sense would suggest that the game should be played.

This legal battle now hangs over the league and must be satisfactorily brought to a close before the end of the season. Given how tight things are in the race for promotion, it would be unfair on all clubs involved if things drag out beyond the final game of the regular season.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson