In a match that ended a winless streak against their opponents, the RAAL secured a victory over Zulte Waregem, fueled by a performance from winger Nolan Gillot and a defensive display from goalkeeper Marcos Peano, DHnet reported.
Gillot Claims First Career Brace to Drive the Loups Past Zulte
Stepping up on the right flank in the absence of the injured Delos, Nolan Gillot put on a man-of-the-match performance by netting the first brace of his professional career. DHnet reported that the left-footed winger was a constant threat, following up his recent scoring display against Club Brugge with two well-taken goals at the expense of Zulte Waregem. Gillot opened his account with a crisp strike from the edge of the penalty area before converting a second-half opportunity off a cutback from Marius Courcoul.
Peano Secures Third Clean Sheet as Defensive Unit Stabilizes
Goalkeeper Marcos Peano delivered a calm and commanding performance to earn his third clean sheet of the campaign, following previous shutouts against Kortrijk and Liège. Frequently criticized during the early stages of the season, Peano handled early pressure with authority—punching clear a dangerous effort in the first period—before remaining largely untroubled until a late flurry from Zulte where he expertly shut the door. The defensive stability helped the Loups snap a six-match winless streak against Essevee stretching across three seasons, overcoming a tricky opening twenty minutes where players like Wagane Faye weathered heavy early pressure from Marley Aké.
Supporters Stage Protest Over Visitor Parking as Club Directives Draw Friction
The fixture was played against a backdrop of fan tension in the stands. DHnet reported that travelling supporters from Zulte Waregem delayed their singing until the 12th minute to protest arrangements surrounding the visitors’ coach parking lot. Concurrently, RAAL ultras unfurled multiple critical banners inside the stadium. Addressing the growing unrest and protests from the supporters, the RAAL club direction issued a firm statement captured by DHnet: “In période difficile, le club a besoin de soutien, pas d’ultimatums.” Despite the early friction and technical struggles in midfield from players like Ismaila Coulibaly and Mame Wade during the opening exchanges, manager Edward Still maintained tactical continuity following their cup victory against Liège, a show of faith that ultimately paid off.
Rousseau Caps Off Victory After Midfield Struggles
After a sluggish start that saw the midfield take nearly half an hour to find its rhythm and proper footing, RAAL gradually seized control of the tempo. Marius Courcoul grew into a physical presence in the center of the pitch, eventually providing the assist for Gillot’s second goal after forcing a strong save earlier in the half. Substitute Léandro Rousseau added further impact after replacing Zsombor Gruber in the 65th minute. Rousseau sparked the transition leading to the second goal with a precise tempo pass to Courcoul, and subsequently sealed the result by capitalizing as a penalty-box poacher in the 84th minute to notch the Loups’ third goal.
