KAA Gent suffer heavy defeat away at Cercle Brugge

Beerschot and Gent began 2021 with a 1-1 draw. Though the Buffalos took charge of possession, the first opportunities fell to the home side. Holzhauser's 8th-minute penalty was saved by Bolat, but then Beerschot went in front in the 23rd minute through Coulibaly. Gent deservedly equalised just before the break through Kums' decisive spot kick. After half time, the Buffalos were clearly on top in terms of possession and chances, but Vanhamel made some smart stops, and Bukari saw a goal chalked out for offside. So despite Gent pressure the second goal never came, meaning the match ended all square.

Away at KV Kortrijk, Gent went down to 10 men in the first half after Yaremchuk was sent off for a push. Despite this, the Buffalos were the better side before the break and came closest to scoring through Bukari's strike from distance. Early in the second half Selemani put Kortrijk in front, before Makarenko's swirling effort from a rebound struck the bar. A determined Gent side then fought back. Mohammadi hit a great shot but Ilic tipped it onto the bar and Bukari headed the rebound over. Bukari again, Bezus, Kleindienst and Depoitre all had big chances but the Buffalos could simply not find an equaliser, so when the final whistle blew Kortrijk could celebrate a flattering three points.

The first half of the Buffalos' clash at top-of-the-table Club Brugge was a cagey affaire. Yaremchuk had the best chance, but he was denied by Mignolet. Brugge turned up the pressure, but Gent's defence stood firm. Then Yaremchuk went close again when he headed a cross against the bar, before Mohammadi jinked into the box in the 68th minute and found Castro-Montes at the far post, who forced Ricca into scoring an own goal. Brugge pressed for an equaliser, but could not get past Bolat, so the Buffalos held on for their third win on the bounce.