Lommel SK has seized a commanding advantage in the Promotion Play-offs of Belgium’s Challenger Pro League, securing a 3-0 victory over RFC Liège in the first leg of their semifinal clash. The win, achieved at home on Thursday evening, puts the Limburg-based club in a strong position ahead of the return match in Liège scheduled for Monday evening.
The Belgian second-tier side, currently competing in the Challenger Pro League, delivered a performance that head coach Lee Johnson described as creating “an excellent starting position” for the return fixture. According to the club’s official website, Lommel SK controlled the tempo from the outset, with Lucas Schoofs opening the scoring in the 12th minute before Van Duiven doubled the lead just five minutes later.
The visitors from Liège struggled to find rhythm in the opening stages, falling behind to a double deficit within the first quarter of an hour. Lommel’s early pressure paid dividends as Schoofs capitalized on a assist from Lopez to develop it 1-0, followed by Van Duiven’s finish after defensive confusion in Liège’s midfield made it 2-0 by the 17th minute.
Although RFC Liège showed signs of improvement as the match progressed, particularly in spells during the second half, they were unable to breach Lommel’s defense before conceding a third goal. De Grand extended the lead to 3-0 shortly after the hour mark, finishing off a move orchestrated by Schoofs, who switched from goalscorer to provider for the decisive strike.
The match experienced a brief interruption in the final quarter when pyrotechnic material was thrown onto the pitch, causing a temporary halt in play. Despite the delay, neither side managed to alter the scoreline, with Lommel holding firm to preserve their three-goal cushion.
Speaking after the match, Johnson emphasized that while the result was positive, the tie remains firmly in the balance. His comments were echoed by team captain Lucas Schoofs, who cautioned against complacency ahead of the away leg, stating that “this is still only halftime” in their Promotion Play-offs campaign.
Lommel SK, which plays its home matches at the Soevereinstadion in Lommel, Limburg, enters the return fixture with a clear pathway to the final. A win or even a narrow defeat in Liège would be sufficient to advance, given the three-goal advantage carried from the first leg.
The club’s recent form has been bolstered by off-field developments, including the confirmation earlier in the week that Lommel SK has been granted licenses for both the 1A and 1B divisions for the upcoming season. This decision by the licensing commission ensures professional football will continue at the Gestelsedijk venue regardless of the Play-offs outcome.
As the Challenger Pro League Promotion Play-offs progress, Lommel SK now faces RFC Liège in the second leg of their semifinal tie. The return match is scheduled for Monday evening at 20:30 local time in Liège, with the aggregate winner set to advance to the final where they will await the victor of the other semifinal between Patro Eisden, and Beerschot.
For global football fans following Belgium’s second-tier promotion race, Lommel SK’s performance represents a significant step toward potential advancement to the top flight. The club, which competes under the ownership structure of City Football Group (holding 99% stake), will glance to protect their lead in the away leg as they aim to secure a place in the Promotion Play-offs final.
The winner of this tie will earn the right to compete in the Promotion Play-offs final, where victory would secure promotion to Belgium’s highest professional football division for the following season. With one foot already in the final, Lommel SK will travel to Liège knowing they hold the advantage but aware that the tie is far from over.
As the Promotion Play-offs enter their decisive phase, all eyes will be on the return leg in Liège, where RFC Liège will attempt to overturn the deficit while Lommel SK aims to notice out their advantage and book their place in the final showdown.
