On matchday 5 of the Champions’ Play-offs, purple and white hosted KAA Gent. A crucial clash in the fight for a European ticket. After a dominant first half from Hasi’s men, in which they scored three times, the game was already decided. Kasper Dolberg was the hero of the night for Sporting with four goals.
The game had a slow start, with both teams keeping possession in midfield. RSCA didn’t get further than a corner, and KAA Gent created the first big chance through Matisse Samoise. His low shot whizzed just past the far post. The home side’s first real chance came after a quickly taken corner by Thorgan Hazard and Yari Verschaeren, who cut inside, beat his man, and fired a shot that was too central. Just before the half-hour mark, Samuel Edozie passed Samoise on the right and delivered the ball to Kasper Dolberg. He laid it off for Huerta, whose shot was blocked. In the same minute, Hazard also tried his luck, but his shot lacked power. A minute later, RSCA got their breakthrough after a defensive blunder from Gent. Dolberg stole the ball from Mitrovic and tapped it into an empty net. The Dane doubled the lead quickly after. Following a foul on Edozie, purple and white were awarded a penalty, calmly converted by Dolberg. Just before halftime, it was 3-0: Lucas Hey powerfully headed in a Hazard corner. The job seemed done by halftime.
RSCA came out flying after the break. A cross from Leander Dendoncker was nearly headed in by Dolberg at the near post. Before the hour mark, the match was well and truly over. A deflected shot from Moussa Ndiaye landed at Dolberg’s feet, and he slammed in his third of the night. Only four minutes later, the Dane added the cherry on top. A cross from Hazard was flicked on by Dolberg, looping over Gent keeper Tom Vandenberghe: 5-0. On the hour mark, the Dane left the pitch to a standing ovation. Luis Vazquez came on along with Nilson Angulo and Ludwig Augustinsson. With 15 minutes left, Verschaeren made way for Mats Rits. But the game was done — no real chances followed. Besnik Hasi’s men recorded a well-deserved and clear 5-0 victory. Next Sunday, purple and white travel to the Planet Group Arena in Ghent.