GENT, Belgium (Interstat) — Gent opened its Belgian First Division A season with a commanding 3-1 win over visiting Mechelen on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Planet Group Arena.

Leonardo Lopes put the hosts ahead just before halftime, scoring in the second minute of first-half stoppage time. Substitute Myron van Brederode doubled the lead in the 69th minute before Ibrahima Cissé pulled one back for Mechelen in the 83rd. Gent forward Max Dean sealed the victory with a late goal.

The result gave Gent a winning start to the league campaign, while Mechelen began with a loss. The outcome aligned with statistical projections that heavily favored the home side.