Kortrijk made huge strides towards an immediate return to the Belgian Pro League this weekend. The side, who suffered relegation from the top flight last season, faced another side who joined them in going down last season in Beerschot. With the game tied at 0-0, Brian Plat scored an unfortunate own goal to gift Kortrijk all three points and open up a seven point gap between the sides.
Beveren are closing on in mathematically confirming their return to the top flight. The side are currently top of the table, unbeaten all season and enjoying a gap of 16 points to Beerschot. The side also have two games in hand on those below them.
Kortrijk will be hoping to join them and the seven points they have over Beerschot should be enough to guarantee their return. Not many sides have been able to bounce back immediately following relegation in recent years. There is a big disparity between the income clubs receive from the being in the Pro League compared to being in the Challenger Pro League. Many sides have to spend beyond their means, meaning an extended run in the second tier for those hoping to gain promotion can really impact club finances.
With Beveren almost certainly up, and Kortrijk looking set to join them, all eyes will now turn to see who will make the play-offs. Sides that finish between third and sixth face off in a traditional play off format. The winner of the final then faces that side that finish bottom of the Pro League this season. Rarely does the team from the second tier win this two legged affair, but Beerschot, Patro Eisden, Lommel and RFC Liege will be hoping they can do so.
Of the other teams hoping to make it, Eupen have the best chance. The side are in their second season in the Challenger Pro League following relegation from the top flight. However, they are currently six points behind RFC Liege in sixth, but do have a game in hand.
