Europe secured
The job is done. Anderlecht beat STVV 3–1 at Lotto Park and locked up fourth place with one matchday to spare (6) (12). That means European football next season. Danylo Sikan scored twice, both goals deflected and a bit fortunate, but they counted (11) (14). Yari Verschaeren added a third with a well-taken strike, a fitting way to mark his final home appearance (4) (12).
Three big goodbyes
It was an emotional night well beyond the result. Thorgan Hazard, Yari Verschaeren, and Mats Rits all played their last home game for the club, their contracts will not be renewed (3) (4). Verschaeren got on the scoresheet, Hazard pulled the strings before being subbed off to a standing ovation (4). These are significant departures. Three players who carried the badge for years, now moving on.
De Cat breaks down
Perhaps the most striking image of the evening: teenage midfielder Nathan De Cat in tears after the final whistle, taking photos around Lotto Park like someone saying goodbye (1) (2). He looks set to leave this summer. Nothing confirmed yet, but the pictures tell you everything you need to know (4).
The bigger picture
Club Brugge are champions (15) (16). Union finish second. Anderlecht take fourth, not where you want to be, but better than what looked possible a few weeks ago. One game left, then the real work begins: reshaping a squad that just lost three core players.
Fan reactions
Most fans are viewing the night with mixed emotions. Celebration of European football, genuine sadness seeing Verschaeren and Hazard bow out, and a collective lump in the throat watching young De Cat sobbing on the pitch. The mood online is less about the 3–1 scoreline and more about endings, one fan called it an emotional goodbye to an era. Read more on r/Anderlecht
