LIÈGE, Belgium (Interstat) — Standard Liege and Union St-Gilloise opened the Belgian First Division A season with a 1-1 draw on Saturday at Stade Maurice Dufrasne.

The visitors took the lead in the 15th minute when forward Dennis Eckert scored. Standard Liege found its equalizer in the 76th minute through substitute Guilherme Smith. Eckert also recorded an assist on the day.

The match was a physical affair, with eight yellow cards issued by the referee. The result defied pre-match projections, as statistical models heavily favored a Union St-Gilloise victory.

Both clubs begin their league campaigns with a draw, moving to 0-0-1 records.