KV Kortrijk 0-3 Royal Antwerp: Antwerp open the Belgian Pro League season with a dominant away statement

Royal Antwerp began their 2026-27 Belgian Pro League campaign in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 3-0 victory over KV Kortrijk at the Guldensporenstadion on 16 August 2026. The Great Old delivered a composed and clinical performance, leaving the home side with no answers and sending an early message to the rest of the title contenders.

Match overview

From the opening whistle, Antwerp controlled the tempo. Their midfield pressed high, cut off Kortrijk's supply lines, and created chances with sharp combination play. Kortrijk, by contrast, struggled to hold possession and were repeatedly caught out in transition. The final scoreline felt fully deserved, as the visitors registered three well-taken goals while keeping a clean sheet away from home.

Key moments and goals

• First-half opener: Antwerp broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark, finishing calmly after a slick passing move carved open the Kortrijk defence. The goal gave the visitors a platform to dictate the match.
• Second goal shortly after the break: The Great Old doubled their lead early in the second half with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box, leaving the home goalkeeper with no chance.
• Late third goal: A late counter-attack sealed the win, wrapping up a ruthlessly efficient away performance and ensuring all three points were safe well before the final whistle.

Tactical story

Antwerp’s midfield superiority was the defining feature of the match. By outnumbering Kortrijk in central areas, the visitors controlled the passing lanes and forced the home side into long balls and hopeful launches forward. On the flanks, Antwerp’s full-backs bombed forward at every opportunity, stretching the Kortrijk backline and creating space for the attacking midfielders to exploit.

Kortrijk, meanwhile, could not find a way to press with any sustained intensity. Their front line was isolated, and whenever they did win the ball, turnovers followed almost immediately. The home side’s lack of penetration in the final third meant they rarely tested the Antwerp goalkeeper, making their task even more difficult after falling behind.

Standout players

Antwerp’s creative engine in midfield was the standout performer, pulling the strings with a series of incisive passes and covering every blade of grass. The opening goalscorer also impressed with his intelligent movement, while the defensive line remained solid throughout and handled Kortrijk’s sporadic attacks with ease.

Season impact

For Royal Antwerp, this result represents the ideal start: three points, three goals, and a clean sheet away from home. It sets the tone for a season in which they will aim to challenge at the top of the Belgian Pro League standings. For KV Kortrijk, the opening-day defeat highlights the work ahead if they are to avoid another relegation struggle. They will need to tighten up defensively and improve their creativity before the next round of league fixtures.