GENT, Belgium (Interstat) — Host Gent opened its First Division A season with a stunning 4-2 victory over favored Anderlecht on Sunday at Planet Group Arena.

Anderlecht’s Nilson Angulo scored twice in the first half, but Gent mounted a dramatic second-half comeback with three goals in the final nine minutes. Tiago Araújo, Max Dean and Hyllarion Goore all scored for the hosts after the 81st minute to secure the win.

The result defied projections, as statistical models heavily favored Anderlecht. The match featured eight yellow cards, including two in a chaotic 34th-minute sequence.

With the loss, Anderlecht begins its league campaign 0-1, while Gent starts 1-0.