KV Mechelen keep top six hopes alive as Toby Alderweireld’s slip proves costly for Antwerp | OneFootball

KV Mechelen kept their hopes of a top six finish alive with a 1-0 away win against defending champions Antwerp. The side were indebted to the pitch, with Antwerp captain Toby Alderweireld unable to convert a penalty at the end of the first half. The former Tottenham and Southampton defender slipped during his run up and saw his effort go wide.

Besnik Hasi’s Mechelen side looked constantly dangerous on the counter-attack. New signing Islam Slimani led the line well, linking up with the midfielders and helping the side transition. After a few near misses, the side finally converted a chance on the break. Slimani’s eventual pass to Kerim Mrabti was smashed home for the only goal of the game.

While Antwerp pushed for an equaliser, Mechelen continued to have chances on the break. The side were thankful that the missed opportunities were not punished as they inflicted a rare home defeat on Antwerp and closed the gap to the top six.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson