After losing in the derby against Zulte Waregem, Club NXT U23 was able to triumph in the second consecutive derby in and against Ostend. After an evenly matched first half, our youngsters grabbed a brilliant performance in the second half, with fine goals by Seys, Lenn De Smet, Et-Taïbi and Homma. Albanese moderated the score to 1-4.
Coach Hayen could again count on Talbi and Homma. Bursik remained in goal and Salah returned to the starting lineup. At Ostend, Perez, on loan from Club NXT, came on to start. Ex-Club Brugge goalkeeper Brent Gabriel was on the bench.
Ostend had been in a positive flow in recent weeks. They started brightly against Club NXT. After only three minutes, Dewaele hit the crossbar. It was immediately a wake-up call for Blauw-Zwart. However, a first clever action by our youngsters quickly followed. Homma and Granados found each other smoothly and served Talbi, but his shot was blocked by Vinck. Afterwards, our Spaniard lost control of the ball. Berte took advantage and put the ball dangerously in front of goal, but fortunately the Ostend attackers did not yield. Afterwards, goalkeeper Bursik was able to stop a header by D'Haese. At the other end, Homma's shot went just wide of the post.
Both teams went in search of the opening goal. Perez wanted to show himself against Club NXT, but his shot was easily caught by Bursik. KVO goalkeeper Bossin was also put to work. After a cross from Talbi, Ostend did not get the ball out of the penalty area immediately. Lenn De Smet cleverly laid off, after which Talbi had a free shooting opportunity. Bossin whipped the ball out of his goal with an ultimate reflex. Oostende kept pressing afterwards, but the Bruges defense held firm.
An important moment in the match was the red card for Decoene. Homma cleverly played between some KVO players towards De Smet. The blond Club NXT player turned well free, but Decoene put his foot down as the last man in. Eight minutes before halftime, Decoene was sent toward the locker room. The foul was just outside the penalty area, but the free kick unfortunately produced nothing. The home team had another giant chance just before halftime. Berte popped the ball just wide of the goal post after a quick counter.
