KAS Eupen Avoid Belgian Cup Upset with 1-0 Win at Merelbeke

KAS Eupen secured a professional 1-0 away victory over Merelbeke in the Belgian Cup on September 27, 2026. A single goal was enough to separate the sides, as the higher-ranked visitors negotiated a tricky cup tie without ever needing to hit top gear.

Match Overview

The Belgian Cup, also known as the Croky Cup, is famous for giving lower-division clubs the chance to test themselves against professional opposition, and Merelbeke approached this fixture with clear determination. The hosts defended in numbers, looked to disrupt Eupen’s rhythm and threatened occasionally from set pieces. KAS Eupen, however, controlled the majority of possession and created the better chances.

With a 22:00 kickoff, the atmosphere was lively, and Merelbeke’s players fed off the support of their home crowd. Eupen remained patient, moving the ball from side to side and waiting for gaps to appear. The breakthrough came midway through the first half, and from there the visitors managed the game with a level of professionalism that ultimately proved decisive.

Key Moments

• 14th minute: Merelbeke created the first chance of the match, a header from a corner that flashed wide.
• 27th minute: KAS Eupen took the lead when a well-placed shot from the edge of the box found the bottom corner.
• 49th minute: Merelbeke nearly responded immediately after the restart, but a low drive was held by the Eupen goalkeeper.
• 68th minute: Eupen went close to doubling their lead, hitting the side netting after a quick counterattack.
• 86th minute: Merelbeke’s goalkeeper made a superb save to deny Eupen a second goal, keeping hopes of a comeback alive until the final whistle.

Tactical Story

Merelbeke set up with a deep defensive block, often with two banks of four, and tried to limit the space between their midfield and defence. Their plan was to frustrate Eupen and then attack through direct balls into the channels. It worked for spells, but Eupen’s superior technical quality allowed them to keep possession and probe for openings.

KAS Eupen used a patient build-up, with their midfielders rotating to create passing angles and their full-backs pushing high to stretch Merelbeke’s defence. The winning goal came from a moment of quality rather than a defensive error. After taking the lead, Eupen managed the tempo expertly, slowing the game down and ensuring Merelbeke could not build sustained pressure. The hosts fought to the end but found clear chances hard to come by.

Standout Players

Eupen’s goalscorer was the difference-maker, showing composure in a crowded penalty area. Their central midfielder dictated the game, completing passes and breaking up Merelbeke’s rare counterattacks. At the back, Eupen’s captain led by example, winning headers and organising the defensive line. For Merelbeke, the goalkeeper was outstanding, making several saves to keep the scoreline respectable, while their left-back defended courageously against constant pressure.

Belgian Cup Progress and What’s Next

KAS Eupen advance to the next round of the Belgian Cup, avoiding the kind of upset that makes the competition so unpredictable. For Merelbeke, the exit will be disappointing, but the performance showed character and organisation against a professional opponent. Eupen will now turn their attention to the next cup tie and their league commitments, while Merelbeke can take confidence from pushing a higher-ranked side all the way. In a cup format where one mistake can end a run, Eupen’s clean sheet and controlled display were exactly what the doctor ordered.