Royal Sporting Charleroi took a major step toward securing a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League with a crucial 1-0 victory away to Standard Liège, thanks in part to the efforts of Algerian internationals Yassine Titraoui and Adem Zorgane.
The win, achieved on the road in a tense play-off fixture, solidified Charleroi’s lead in the group and brought them significantly closer to clinching a place in next season’s continental competition.
With only three matches remaining, Charleroi now finds itself in a commanding position in the Conference League qualification play-offs.
Midfielder Yassine Titraoui featured prominently for 76 minutes before being substituted, while Adem Zorgane played the full 90 minutes in a disciplined and controlled performance that helped secure the narrow but valuable result.
Their presence in the midfield provided Charleroi with the composure and balance needed to keep Standard Liège at bay throughout a highly contested encounter.
The performance marked another important contribution from the Algerian pair, who have become key figures in Charleroi’s late-season push for European qualification.
Both players were influential in maintaining possession and disrupting Standard’s attacking rhythm, allowing Charleroi to assert themselves and eventually clinch the winner.
Although the result does not guarantee qualification, it places Charleroi in a favourable position ahead of their next match against Westerlo — a game that could prove decisive.
A victory in that upcoming clash would ensure Charleroi’s participation in the second qualifying round play-offs for non-champions in the 2025–2026 UEFA Europa Conference League.
The context added extra intrigue to the Standard Liège fixture, as Charleroi went into the match determined to reclaim the top spot they had briefly lost to Westerlo, led by another Algerian, Islam Slimani.
With this latest victory, Charleroi not only leapfrogged their rivals but also widened the gap to four points, increasing the pressure ahead of the decisive showdown.
Head coach Felice Mazzu praised the team’s resilience and focus after the match, with special recognition for the midfield’s consistent control — an area where Titraoui and Zorgane have excelled in recent weeks.
Their chemistry has been an essential element of Charleroi’s game plan, giving the team both defensive stability and forward momentum.
This campaign marks a notable rise for Charleroi, who have navigated a challenging domestic season to find themselves on the brink of European competition.
For Titraoui and Zorgane, the current run represents a significant chapter in their development, offering a platform on which to showcase their talents beyond the Belgian league.
As anticipation builds for the next fixture against Westerlo, Charleroi’s supporters will be hoping the Algerian duo can continue to drive the team forward and seal what would be a well-deserved European berth.
The club’s recent performances suggest momentum is firmly on their side — but with three matches still to play, consistency will be key in turning promise into qualification.
