Zulte Waregem – Standard Liege. The scoreline tells only part of the story from a tense encounter at the Gaverbeek on Friday, March 6, 2026. A late goal from Henry Lawrence secured a vital three points for Standard Liege, keeping their hopes of reaching the Champions Play-offs very much alive. The 1-0 victory wasn’t without controversy, but, as a potential equalizer for Zulte Waregem was overturned by VAR, adding to the frustration of the home side.
The win moves Standard Liege to within one point of Gent, who currently occupy the final Champions Play-off spot. This result is particularly significant following Gent’s victory earlier in the week, which had put pressure on Standard to deliver a positive result. For Zulte Waregem, the defeat is a painful blow, continuing a frustrating run of form where they’ve often been the better side but unable to convert that dominance into points.
A Balanced First Half
The first half was a largely even affair, with both teams creating opportunities. Zulte Waregem enjoyed slightly more possession but neither side was able to establish a clear advantage. Opoku was the first to test the waters, firing a shot that lacked the precision to trouble Pirard in the Standard goal. Hautekiet quickly responded with a shot of his own, forcing a save.
The most promising chance of the opening period fell to Ayensa, but his attempt sailed over the bar. Erenbjerg was then well-positioned for a shot, but his effort was thwarted by a solid save from the Liege goalkeeper. Standard thought they had opened the scoring when Ayensa found the back of the net following a Saïd cross, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul in the build-up.
Saïd Hits the Post, Lawrence Delivers
The second half saw more attacking intent from both sides. Around the hour mark, Rafiki Saïd came close to giving Standard the lead, striking the woodwork with a powerful shot from inside the box. The game remained tightly contested, with Claes also sending a dangerous effort just wide of Pirard’s goal.
Just as the match appeared headed for a draw, Lawrence emerged as the hero for Standard. Following a cross from the left, Nguene’s header was initially saved by Gabriel, but Lawrence was on hand to follow up and slot home the decisive goal in the 87th minute. The goal sparked celebrations amongst the Standard faithful, recognizing the importance of the three points.
Controversy and a Late Scare
The drama wasn’t over, however. In the dying moments of the game, Zulte Waregem were awarded a penalty, only for it to be overturned by VAR, much to the dismay of the home supporters. Despite a late scare, Standard managed to hold on for the victory, securing a precious win that significantly boosts their chances of reaching the Champions Play-offs.
The match highlighted the fine margins in Belgian football. Zulte Waregem, despite their efforts, were left to rue missed opportunities and the controversial VAR decision. For Standard, Lawrence’s late goal proved to be the difference, demonstrating their resilience and determination.
What This Means for the Play-Off Race
This victory is a significant step forward for Standard Liege in their pursuit of a Champions Play-off berth. Being just one point behind Gent sets up a thrilling final stretch of the regular season. The remaining fixtures will be crucial, and Standard will need to maintain this level of performance to secure their place in the top six.
For Zulte Waregem, the defeat is a setback in their own ambitions. They will need to regroup quickly and find a way to convert their promising performances into tangible results. The overturned penalty adds to the sense of frustration for Benoît Nyssen’s side, who are now facing an uphill battle to climb the table.
The Jupiler Pro League season continues to be fiercely competitive, with several teams vying for a place in the Champions Play-offs. Standard Liege’s win has injected fresh momentum into their campaign, and they will be hoping to carry this form into their upcoming matches.
Standard Liege’s next challenge will be a home fixture against [Next Opponent – information not available in sources]. The team will be looking to build on this positive result and continue their push for a top-six finish. Fans can follow updates and further analysis on the official Standard Liege website and social media channels.
