For the third time in five years, the Mauves are just one step away from lifting the tenth Belgian Cup in their history. RSCA reached the final – which will, for the first time, feature an all-Brussels clash – after a campaign that was not always straightforward. Here is an overview of the intense encounters played in sold-out, electric stadiums, with Sporting emerging victorious each time.
A sold-out opening round
As usual, Pro League clubs entered the competition at the round of 32. The match against KVK Ninove, a first-division amateur side (third tier), was originally scheduled to be played away, but was ultimately moved to the Lotto Park for safety and organisational reasons. Ninove had prepared special kits for the occasion, but these were rejected by the referee due to a colour clash, forcing a last-minute change of equipment.
A historic first that evening: for the first time in Belgium, a match between a professional club and an amateur side was completely sold out. The visiting supporters from East Flanders were also strongly represented and saw their team deliver a commendable performance. However, early goals from Adriano Bertaccini and César Huerta ultimately secured a 2-0 win for RSCA.
A strong turnaround in Limburg
In the round of 16, a tougher challenge awaited: an away fixture against KRC Genk. The hosts started strongly and took the lead around the half-hour mark through Konstantinos Karetsas. After the break, a revitalised Anderlecht emerged from the dressing room. The Brussels side pressed high and caught Genk off guard, although the Limburgers remained dangerous on the counter-attack.
At the very end of the match, a shot from Mario Stroeykens was parried by Hendrik Van Crombrugge - the former Anderlecht goalkeeper and captain - straight into the path of Adriano Bertaccini, who made no mistake in equalising. The Mauves, fresher both physically and mentally, took the lead in extra time through Thorgan Hazard and sealed the win in stoppage time with a swift counter-attack finished by Ibrahim Kanaté.
A hard-fought qualification in Ghent
In the quarter-finals of the Croky Cup, the Mauves hosted KAA Gent at the Lotto Park shortly after the winter break. As in the previous round, the first match of the calendar year once again proved to be a nerve-racking evening for RSCA supporters. The encounter was highly intense, with Sporting coming close twice to opening the scoring through Adriano Bertaccini. However, they were gradually forced to cede the initiative to the Buffalos.
Around the half-hour mark, Tiago Araújo brought down Tristan Degreef in the penalty area. Thorgan Hazard calmly converted the resulting spot kick. In the second half, Gent attempted to turn the game around and regained control of the match. It remained an open contest with chances at both ends. After a long and tense period of stoppage time - during which Nilson Angulo was sent off - Colin Coosemans kept a clean sheet, and Sporting deservedly secured a place in the semi-finals.
A statement against the Great Old
In the semi-finals, Sporting faced Antwerp FC once again, just like the year before, in a tie that would unfold in two completely different ways. The first leg at home was disappointing for the Mauves. The opening half was intense, with plenty of duels but few clear chances. Vincent Janssen opened the scoring in stoppage time from a set piece. After the break, RSCA tried to respond but were reduced to nine men following the dismissals of Sardella and Diarra. An outstanding Colin Coosemans limited the damage and kept hopes alive for the return leg.
Determined to respond, the Mauves started the match at the Bosuil at full intensity, taking an early lead through a headed goal from Nathan Saliba. Just before half-time, Tristan Degreef doubled the advantage - and it was fully deserved, as Antwerp’s goalkeeper had already been called into action several times. Shortly after the restart, a volley from Nathan De Cat created a decisive gap, and late in the game, Ludwig Augustinsson added the finishing touch with a header. It was a true statement performance from Sporting and, more importantly, it secured their place in the final at the Heysel.
The full journey:
- Round of 32: RSCA 2-0 KVK Ninove
- Round of 16: KRC Genk 1-3 RSCA
- Quarter-final: RSCA 1-0 KAA Gent
- Semi-final, first leg: RSCA 0-1 Antwerp
- Semi-final, second leg: Antwerp 0-4 RSCA
