The first game in the Jupiler Pro League under Ivan Leko was a big win on the field of FC Dender. Club went on to win 1-5 after goals from Tzolis, Vermant who both scored two goals and Stankovic's first in the Belgian league. This win keeps Club in second place in the standings.
In the first half, Club had the necessary problems with an eager home team. After 24 minutes, the straggler took the lead through a goal by Nsimba. Blauw-Zwart was able to counter that with a few header chances, but without creating any real goal threat. On the counter attack, the home team continued to be wary of the jabs. The biggest chance for Club came through Hans Vanaken, but the keeper of the last in the stand was well in the way. On the stroke of half-time, ex-Club player Mbamba did not decisively clear the ball and Tzolis took the early Christmas present in thanks. 1-1 just before the end of the first half.
It turned out to be the starting signal of a dominant second half for Blauw-Zwart. Early after the break, Tzolis put the lead on the board with a crisp overhead kick. The pace picked up and several smaller and bigger chances followed. Romeo Vermant, filling in for Nicolo Tresoldi, deepened the lead to 1-3 and minutes later it was even 1-4 through the same Vermant. He was able to curl Siquet's cross beautifully into the top corner with a crisp header. Club kept looking for goals, but it took until deep into injury time before the 1-5 came on the board. Aleksandar Stankovic headed his first in the Belgian league against the nets.
Next week a game against AA Gent awaits at the Jan Breydelstadion.
