OH Leuven defeated RAAL La Louvière 2-0 in their Jupiler Pro League fixture at the King Power at Den Drijf Stadium on Saturday. The result leaves both sides level on points in the lower half of the table, with the hosts moving to 15th and their visitors remaining 14th after seven matchdays. The match was decided by two goals, one in each half, and a late red card that changed the complexion of the second period.
Mustapha Isah Ubandoma opened the scoring early, finding the net in the fourth minute. Wouter George restored order for OH Leuven before the interval, adding a second goal in the 32nd minute. RAAL were reduced to ten men when Marcos Peano was sent off in the 82nd minute, and William Balikwisha added a late consolation in the 89th minute.
We had called for a home victory at 44 per cent confidence before kick-off. The prediction came through, though the manner of the win was far from comfortable. OH Leuven kept knocking on the door throughout, but RAAL defended resolutely until the dismissal.
The statistics tell a story of a game where possession did not translate into clear-cut opportunities. RAAL held 53 per cent of the ball and completed 401 passes, but managed only two shots on target. OH Leuven, with 47 per cent possession, registered four shots on target and three off target, converting one of those into a goal.
Both sides won 30 aerial duels, suggesting a physical contest in the air. OH Leuven made 112 attacks compared to RAAL's 108, but the difference lay in efficiency. The hosts created one big chance each, while their visitors were unable to capitalise on their territorial advantage.
The result means both clubs remain in the bottom two, separated only by goal difference. OH Leuven will be pleased to have taken three points despite RAAL's dominance in possession, while their opponents will rue the red card that left them playing the final ten minutes a man down.
