LA LOUVIÈRE, Belgium (Interstat) — RAAL La Louviere opened its Belgian First Amateur Division campaign with a 2-1 victory over Patro Eisden Maasmechelen on Sunday at Stade Communal du Tivoli.

Floriano Vanzo put the hosts ahead in the 40th minute. Victor Corneillie doubled the lead in the 60th, capitalizing on a match where the visitors were hampered by discipline; Patro Eisden received five yellow cards, including two in quick succession early in the first half.

Tom Pietermaat scored a late consolation for Patro Eisden in the 85th minute. The result defied the pregame projection, as statistical models heavily favored a more lopsided win for La Louviere. With the win, La Louviere begins the league season with a perfect record.