The hosts came out of the blocks quickly, creating two big chances within the opening four minutes. However, Lommel goalkeeper Pieklak was on hand to make crucial saves on both occasions. Lommel also posed an early threat, as Leon Lalic whipped in a cross towards Nicolas Siri, only for a Zulte Waregem defender to get in the way before the forward could connect.

After an exciting opening five minutes, the match settled into a more controlled rhythm. The first notable moment came in the 20th minute when Danny McGrath won the ball on the edge of the box and set up Leon Lalic. The Croatian fired an effort on goal, but his shot was straight at keeper Ennio Van Der Gouw. Moments later, Zulte Waregem looked to be through on goal, but once again, Pieklak was alert and rushed out to clear the danger.

The match then entered a scrappy phase, with few clear-cut chances. Zulte Waregem tested Pieklak from long range, but the keeper was untroubled. At the other end, Lommel carved out a dangerous attack, only for Siri’s shot to be blocked, leading to a corner that came to nothing. Another quick midfield turnover saw Kluiverth Aguilar try his luck from distance, but his effort lacked accuracy.

As the first half drew to a close, the game sparked into life again, with both sides pushing forward. The hosts managed to create a few more opportunities, but neither team could find a breakthrough before the interval, heading into the dressing rooms with the score still goalless.

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Second-Half Drama Unfolds
Both sides emerged for the second half unchanged, and Lommel started brightly. Leon Lalic won possession in midfield and drove towards goal, but his shot lacked the power to trouble Van Der Gouw.

Zulte Waregem then began to take control, dictating possession and pinning Lommel back. It took until the 60th minute for the hosts to carve out a genuine opportunity, as Tobias Hedl met a fine cross with a header, but his effort sailed well over the bar.

In the 66th minute, Lee Johnson made his first substitution, bringing on debutant John Edwin Montaño for the injured Danny McGrath. Five minutes later, Leon Lalic was also withdrawn, with Álvaro Santos coming on in his place.

With just over 15 minutes remaining, Lommel SK’s intentions became clear—they were determined to hold on and capitalise on any opportunity. The substitutions disrupted Zulte Waregem’s rhythm slightly, giving Lommel a much-needed breather. However, the hosts still created a golden chance when Joseph Opoku latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful strike that whistled just wide of the post.

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Late drama and a heroic finish
Ten minutes from time, Lommel had a huge let-off. A fierce shot from Zulte Waregem looked destined for the back of the net, but Dries Wouters made a miraculous goal-line clearance to keep the score level. At the other end, Nicolas Siri almost produced a moment of magic, spinning away from his marker and unleashing a long-range effort that seemed destined for the top corner, only to miss the target.

Then, in the dying moments, Lommel were handed a golden opportunity. Álvaro Santos broke free from his marker and was brought down inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Mohamed Salah stepped up to coolly slot home—0-1!

Zulte Waregem immediately went on the attack and were awarded a penalty of their own just a minute later after Yeboah Amankwah handled on the goal line. The defender was sent off, leaving Lommel with ten men. Captain Nicolas Rommens stepped up for the hosts, but Matthias Pieklak produced a heroic save to deny him from scoring!

Lommel then had to withstand eight long minutes of stoppage time as Zulte Waregem threw everything forward. However, the visitors held firm, securing a remarkable victory on the road and claiming all three points in dramatic fashion.