In a closely contested Jupiler Pro League match at the Dender Football Complex, Dender secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Antwerp, thanks to a first-half goal from Roman Kvet. The home side's resilience was on full display as they managed to fend off Antwerp's persistent attacks, maintaining their lead throughout the match.
Kvet's Early Impact
The decisive moment came in the 32nd minute when Roman Kvet found the back of the net, assisted by Bruny Nsimba. This goal proved to be the only one of the match, with Dender capitalizing on one of their few clear chances. Despite Antwerp's superior possession, they struggled to convert it into meaningful opportunities.
Antwerp's Unsuccessful Pursuit
Antwerp made several tactical changes at halftime, introducing Kouyate and Scott to inject fresh energy into their attack. However, Dender's defense, marshaled by Kobe Cools, who won nine duels, remained steadfast. Antwerp's inability to register a single shot on target highlighted their struggles in the final third.
Statistical Insights
Dender's defensive discipline was evident in their 14 fouls, disrupting Antwerp's rhythm. Despite having 52% possession and completing 301 accurate passes, Antwerp's expected goals of 0.54 reflected their lack of cutting edge. Dender, with an expected goals of 1.17, made their solitary shot on target count.
Looking Ahead
This victory marks a significant boost for Dender, who have shown resilience in recent matches, drawing twice against strong opponents. As they look to build on this momentum, standout performances from players like Kvet and Cools will be crucial. Antwerp, despite their recent form, will need to reassess their attacking strategies to regain their winning ways.
