HEVERLEE, Belgium (Interstat) — Substitute Emin Bayram’s early goal proved decisive as Westerlo opened its Belgian First Division A season with a 1-0 victory over Sporting Oud-Heverlee on Saturday at King Power at Den Dreef Stadion.

The match, the opening fixture of the 2025-26 league campaign for both clubs, was settled in the fourth minute. The sequence began with a Westerlo throw-in deep in its own half. Midfielder Birger Verstraete quickly played the ball forward to fellow midfielder Siebe Schrijvers near the center circle. Schrijvers, with his first touch, delivered a slicing through ball that split the OH Leuven defense and found the run of Andreas Jungdal on the right wing.

Jungdal, also a substitute who had entered the match earlier, carried the ball to the byline before cutting a low pass back across the face of the goal. The delivery evaded a cluster of defenders and found Bayram, who had made a late arriving run into the penalty area. The Turkish defender calmly side-footed his first-time shot into the net from eight yards out for what stood as the game-winner.

The early goal set the tone for a physical and often disjointed contest that failed to produce further scoring. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a higher-scoring affair, forecasting a 3-1 win for Westerlo, while its ELO rating system gave the visitors a 58.40 percent probability of victory.

Westerlo, the visiting side, managed to protect its slim lead through a combination of organized defending and a series of tactical fouls that disrupted OH Leuven’s rhythm. The match was punctuated by six yellow cards, five of which were shown to Westerlo players.

Andreas Jungdal received the first booking in the 40th minute for a reckless challenge. He was followed by teammate Birger Verstraete just before halftime in the 45th minute. The second half continued in a similar vein, with Westerlo’Arthur Piedfort cautioned in the 65th minute and Siebe Schrijvers in the 76th. Substitute Shunsuke Saito was booked in the first minute of second-half stoppage time.

Sporting Oud-Heverlee, playing at home, struggled to break down a resolute Westerlo defense after conceding so early. The home side controlled large portions of possession but created few clear-cut chances, often finding their attacks breaking down in the final third against a compact defensive block.

The result gives Westerlo an immediate three points to start its league season, moving its record to one win and no losses. For Sporting Oud-Heverlee, the defeat marks a disappointing start in front of its home supporters, beginning the campaign with one loss and no wins. The records for both teams across all competitions this season are identical to their new league standings.

Bayram’s goal, assisted by Jungdal with the secondary assist credited to Schrijvers, was the lone moment of quality in a match defined by gritty determination from the visitors and frustration for the hosts. Westerlo’s ability to secure the result despite the frequent disciplinary interventions from the referee showcased a pragmatic approach to securing an opening-day victory on the road.