SINT-TRUIDEN, Belgium (Interstat) — In a dramatic opening match of the Belgian First Division A season, Sint-Truiden delivered a significant upset by defeating favored Club Brugge 3-2 on Saturday at Daio Wasabi Stayen Stadium.

The result defied pregame projections, as statistical models heavily favored the visitors. Interstat’s ELO system gave Club Brugge a 61.2 percent probability of victory, while its game simulator had predicted a 2-2 draw.

Club Brugge struck first, taking an early lead in the 16th minute. Substitute Raphael Onyedika, who had just entered the match, found the net to put the visitors ahead. The advantage was short-lived, however, as Sint-Truiden’s Arbnor Muja equalized just five minutes later, scoring in the 21st minute to level the match at 1-1 before halftime.

The second half saw the home side seize control. Substitute Kaye Furo, who also made a decisive impact off the bench, put Sint-Truiden ahead for the first time with a goal in the 70th minute. The lead was extended to 3-1 just 11 minutes later when forward Andrés Ferrari scored in the 81st minute, seemingly putting the game out of reach.

Club Brugge mounted a late push, with forward Ryōtarō Itō managing a consolation goal in the final moments of regulation time. The visitors could not find an equalizer in stoppage time, however, sealing a memorable victory for the hosts.

The match was a physical affair, with two yellow cards issued. Sint-Truiden defender Robert-Jan Vanwesemael was booked in the 53rd minute, and Club Brugge substitute Cisse Sandra received a yellow card in the 68th minute. Vanwesemael and Sandra were also credited with assists during the match.

The victory provides an ideal start to the league campaign for Sint-Truiden, which begins the season with a record of one win and no losses. For Club Brugge, a club with perennial championship aspirations, the loss marks a disappointing start, leaving them with a record of no wins and one loss in First Division A play. Both teams’ records across all competitions mirror their league results after this opening fixture.

The match underscored the unpredictable nature of the league’s opening day, with Sint-Truiden’s effective use of substitutes and resilient response to an early deficit proving decisive against a Club Brugge side that was unable to capitalize on its favored status.