KAA Gent Faces Pressure Before Anderlecht Match After Two Defeats

KAA Gent enters Sunday evening’s crucial Jupiler Pro League fixture against RSC Anderlecht at the Planet Group Arena facing mounting pressure after suffering back-to-back defeats across domestic cup and European competitions.

European Defeat at Sporting Braga Compounds Cup Exit

The recent turbulence for the league leaders began with a shock elimination from the Croky Cup against third-tier side Union Rochefort. That domestic disappointment was followed on Thursday, October 22, 2026, by a 2-0 defeat in Portugal against Sporting Braga in the UEFA Conference League. Víctor Gómez opened the scoring for Braga just three minutes into the match, while Gabri Martínez sealed the result with a second goal in the 76th minute. Goalkeeper Davy Roef emerged as Gent’s standout performer, making crucial saves in the closing stages to prevent a heavier defeat as Braga dominated the closing minutes.

Squad Depth and Injury Concerns Mount for Coach Rik De Mil

Head coach Rik De Mil must now manage a depleted squad ahead of the Anderlecht encounter. During the match in Braga, Michel-Ange Balikwisha was forced off with an injury, adding to a growing list of absentees that includes Josué Vergara and defensive absentee El Bachir Ngom. Commentators in Het Nieuwsblad noted that the absence of Vergara and Ngom significantly tests the defensive and offensive depth available to De Mil, especially with Maksim Paskotsi working to regain his peak form following a previous injury.

Standings Implications at the Planet Group Arena

Despite the recent setbacks in cup and continental play, Gent remains at the summit of the Belgian domestic league with 22 points, while Anderlecht sits on 16 points. A victory for the hosts on Sunday at 18:30 would allow Gent to maintain sole possession of first place and extend their lead over Anderlecht to nine points. Conversely, a win for the visitors from Brussels would narrow the gap to just three points, tightening the upper tier of the league standings significantly.

Remaining Squad Resilience Ahead of Kickoff

Speaking to the press after the match in Portugal, De Mil addressed external concerns regarding the team’s losses. “It is never for a team situated to lose three times in a row,” De Mil stated during his Thursday evening press conference. “I understand that it becomes a topic around us, but just as I was not euphoric after all the winning matches, I can place this very well. The loss against Rochefort was a huge disappointment, the loss in Braga must be put into perspective.” Defender Siebe Van der Heyden echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the squad remains united and focused on the immediate challenge awaiting them in Ghent.

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