In a tense Jupiler Pro League encounter, Standard Liege edged past Antwerp with a 1-0 victory at Maurice Dufrasnestadion. The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Dennis Dargahi converted a penalty, awarded after a VAR review confirmed the infringement. Though Standard Liege controlled much of the possession, Antwerp's inability to convert chances ultimately cost them.
A Game of Narrow Margins
The first half saw both teams struggling to find rhythm, marred by early yellow cards for Maxime Busi and Ibrahim Karamoko due to handballs. Despite some sparks of offensive intent from both sides, the match remained goalless at halftime. Yuto Tsunashima's yellow card for a foul early in the second half set the tone for a physical contest.
Penalty Drama Seals the Result
As the second half unfolded, substitutions from both managers aimed to inject energy into their squads. It was the introduction of Gustav Julius Mortensen and Bernard Nguene for Standard that seemed to shift momentum slightly in their favor. The breakthrough came with a penalty awarded after a handball, which Dargahi calmly slotted home in the 77th minute.
Statistics Highlight Standard's Edge
Standard Liege dominated ball possession with 56%, creating 20 shots with eight on target compared to Antwerp's 14 shots and only four on goal. Despite Antwerp's physical approach, resulting in 18 fouls, they couldn't break Liege's defense or capitalize on their limited opportunities.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Standard Liege continues their promising start to the season, building on recent strong performances. Their form, including a previous win and draw, suggests a team gaining momentum. Meanwhile, Antwerp will need to regroup and find ways to convert their efforts into points as the season progresses.
