Belgian Clasico Looms as Standard Liège Aim to Defend Top Spot Against Anderlecht
The Jupiler Pro League playoffs enter a crucial phase this weekend, with Sunday’s standout fixture featuring a fierce Belgian Clasico between Standard Liège and Anderlecht. With just a few games left in the title-deciding phase, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Standard Liège, who have led the league since the beginning of the regular season, now face one of their most decisive challenges. A goalless draw against Club Brugge on Monday saw them drop valuable points, and although they remain at the summit, their grip on the title race is under pressure. Victory in Brussels on Sunday is imperative if they want to maintain full control of their destiny.
“We’re not satisfied with the result; as leaders, we expected more,” admitted Paul-José Mpoku, reflecting on the draw in Bruges, in comments reported by La Dernière Heure. The Congolese-Belgian midfielder has emerged as one of Standard’s key figures this season and is fully aware of the intensity required for Sunday’s encounter.
“We must continue to give 100%, as we did in Bruges,” Mpoku insisted. “At Anderlecht, we need to show the same mentality. We must be aggressive and come back with the three points. I will not sign for a draw.”
Standard’s lead may still stand, but with Club Brugge and Anderlecht both in close pursuit, a slip at this stage could prove costly. The Liège side have impressed with consistency and determination throughout the season, but the final stretch will test their resilience more than ever.
Anderlecht, for their part, will be equally motivated. Playing at home, they will be eager to reignite their own title ambitions by closing the gap on their fierce rivals. A win would not only deal a blow to Standard’s hopes but also significantly shake up the playoff standings.
As the tension builds ahead of Sunday evening’s clash, fans can expect a fiercely contested affair—one that could go a long way in deciding the 2024/25 Belgian champion. For Standard Liège, the message is clear: anything less than a win may no longer be enough.
