WESTERLO, Belgium (Interstat) — Westerlo solidified its mid-table standing in Belgium’s First Division A with a 2-0 victory over Sporting Charleroi on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Het Kuipje, completing a league double over its opponent in a match marred by a second-half red card.

The home side controlled proceedings for much of the contest but found the breakthrough only in the final quarter-hour. The deadlock was broken in the 79th minute when forward Nacho Ferri found the net, assisted by defender Amando Lapage. The insurance goal came deep into second-half stoppage time as defender Emin Bayram sealed the result, with the assist credited to forward Josimar Alcócer.

The match’s complexion shifted dramatically just past the hour mark. Substitute Etienne Camara, who had entered the game for Charleroi, received a yellow card in the 54th minute. His involvement turned disastrous six minutes later when he was shown a straight red card in the 60th minute, forcing the visitors to play the final half-hour a man down. The disciplinary summary also included yellow cards for Westerlo’s Josimar Alcócer in the 59th minute and Amando Lapage in the 66th minute.

The result continued a recent trend in the fixture. Westerlo also defeated Charleroi 2-1 on Feb. 22, meaning the home team has won both league meetings this season after Charleroi took the earlier encounter 2-0 on Nov. 8, 2025.

With the win, Westerlo improved its First Division A record to 11 wins, 10 losses and two draws this season. Across all competitions, the club now stands at 12 wins, 13 losses and four draws. The loss further dampens Charleroi’s campaign, dropping its league mark to nine wins, 12 losses and six draws. Its overall record across all tournaments fell to 11 wins, 13 losses and seven draws.

Charleroi’s form remains a concern, having now lost three of its last four First Division A matches. Prior to this defeat, Charleroi fell 1-0 to Zultearegem on March 22. The team’s recent results have been inconsistent, mixing victories over sides like Standard Liege and Anderlecht with frustrating losses.

Westerlo, meanwhile, has found a measure of stability. Before Sunday’s match, the team played to a scoreless draw with Standard Liege on March 22 and secured a 1-0 win over Sporting Oud-Heverlee on March 7. The back-to-back clean sheets represent a defensive improvement for a side that conceded four goals to Sint-Truiden in early February.

The match outcome aligned closely with pregame projections. Interstat’s game simulator had predicted a 2-1 victory for Westerlo, while the organization’s ELO rating system gave the home side a 78.80 percent probability of winning.

The victory provides Westerlo with momentum as the season enters its final stages, while Sporting Charleroi will look to address its disciplinary issues and offensive struggles after failing to score for the second time in three league matches.