A costly setback has thrown Gent’s Top 4 ambitions into doubt after a surprising 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Cercle Brugge on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The lone goal of the match came courtesy of Dante Vanzeir, who is on loan to Cercle from Gent. Vanzeir scored his first goal for his new club, a result that temporarily lifts Cercle to within two points of Zulte-Waregem, the first team outside the relegation zone.
Gent’s hopes of a comeback were severely hampered by a 52nd-minute red card to Hatim Essaouabi. The Buffalos also saw a penalty kick opportunity go to waste in the second half, as Gary Magnée failed to convert from the spot.
The loss leaves Gent with 36 points, stuck in fifth place, and vulnerable to being overtaken by both Malines and Genk, who also have 36 and 35 points respectively. This result could prove critical as teams battle for positioning ahead of the Championship playoffs.
