STVV secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cercle Brugge on Sunday, March 8, 2026, propelling them into a tie for second place in the Jupiler Pro League standings. A late goal from substitute Kaito Matsuzawa proved to be the difference for the home side.
The match at Stayen saw an early breakthrough for STVV, with Arbnor Muja finding the back of the net in the 24th minute to grant his team a 1-0 lead. However, Cercle Brugge responded through Edan Diop, who equalized in the 57th minute.
As the game appeared headed for a draw, Matsuzawa entered the fray and delivered a decisive moment in the 81st minute. Following a well-worked combination with Ito, the Japanese forward calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, securing the three points for STVV. This victory marks their eighth league win of the season.
The win sees STVV draw level with Club Brugge on 57 points, intensifying the competition at the top of the Jupiler Pro League table. Cercle Brugge, meanwhile, missed an opportunity to climb out of the relegation play-off spots.
Key Match Moments:
- 24′ – Goal – Arbnor Muja (1 – 0)
- 57′ – Goal – Edan Diop (1 – 1)
- 81′ – Goal – Kaito Matsuzawa (2 – 1)
Matsuzawa, who came on as a substitute, was instrumental in the victory, showcasing his impact off the bench. The match likewise saw yellow cards issued to Lawrence Agyekum, Oumar Diakité, Valy Konaté, Steve Ngoura, and a flurry of substitutions from both sides as they battled for the win.
STVV will look to continue their impressive form as they push for a top-two finish, while Cercle Brugge will need to regroup and fight for crucial points to avoid relegation.
