Despite a sunny afternoon and a packed stadium, both clubs looked uninspired in the early stages of the match, with the first opportunity coming only after fifteen minutes as Jonathan David's shot tested KV Mechelen goalkeeper Michael Verrips a first time.

With just over half an hour on the clock the match opened up, starting with a long range free kick by Nikola Storm, who surprised everyone by aiming straight for goal.

Initial shots by Nana Asare and Birger Verstraete were blocked causing a scramble in front of the KV Mechelen goal before Jean-Luc Dompé was able to benefit and open the score.

KV Mechelen, who were deemed underdogs, did not give up and managed to score just a few minutes later through Storm who volleyed in the equaliser, shooting the ball between the legs of Kaminski.

On the hour mark, Kaminksi misjudged a free-kick by Storm, allowing Germán Mera to score through a header to put KV Mechelen in the lead.

Gent took the match in control from that point on, crossing many balls into the box, with Verrips required to make several key saves, blocking shots from Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe, Roman Bezus and Alexander Sørloth.