What a surprise! Club NXT U23 has defeated SK Beveren after an incredible team performance. The Waaslanders hadn't lost any of their previous nine games, but thanks to goals from Barbera and Homma, our youngsters sealed a well-deserved victory in the second half.
After three defeats, Club NXT urgently had to look for points to avoid sliding further in the rankings. Manager Nicky Hayen could count on Vermant and Sabbe again in his starting line-up. Barbera and Seys also returned to the team. Bruges started the match well, but the first big chances were for the home team. Goalkeeper Shinton had to push Koyalipou's header over the bar, and a low driven shot from winger Ismaheel went just wide of the left post. Beveren wanted an early lead, but Club NXT's defence held firm. Gradually, our youngsters also started to create some good opportunities to open the score. Sabbe pulled off one of his famous rushes and put the ball in front of goal, but goalkeeper Reus collected it. After a lovely dribble from Homma, Barbera had the chance to put NXT in front from close range, but he hit the crossbar.
On the other side, Geusens also hit the crossbar after a free kick. Beveren turned up the pressure again and two former Bruges players almost created the first goal of the game. Anthony Limbombe squared the ball to Mathis Servais, but the latter's shot was blocked just in time by Et-Taïbi. Shion Homma was very bustling for Club NXT, and he created quite some chances. Romeo Vermant couldn't finish a clever through ball by the Japanese, and Homma himself couldn't find the back of the net either with two dangerous shots. The half-time score was 0-0, but we had seen an entertaining game so far.
The first chances of the second half were again for Beveren. Shinton had to react to a low shot from Koyalipou and Servais's attempt went wide. Then, Louis Verstraete received two yellow cards in quick succession: his game was over. Nonetheless, Beveren almost took the lead with ten men. Goncalves delivered a brilliant cross at the first post where striker Koyalipou fired his shot on goal. Goalkeeper Shinton pulled off an incredible reflex save to keep the score at 0-0. But that score would soon change: Seys assisted Barbera with a low cross and the Spaniard's volley bumped over the goalkeeper into the net: 0-1 for the visitors.
Both managers decided to make some substitutions. Vermant and Sabbe were replaced by Faraas and Simba. The Beveren substitute Cukur immediately rushed past Simba, but his shot was saved by Shinton. In the last twenty minutes, good football gradually made way for sharp duels and hard work, but also for many fouls and yellow cards. Manager Hayen decided to bring Audoor, who replaced goalscorer Barbera. Former Club player Sander Coopman entered the pitch for Beveren.
