Belgium round-up: Årst sinks Brugge

R. Standard de Liège striker Ole Martin Årst sent Club Brugge KV crashing to a 3-1 Belgian first division defeat on Sunday.

Missed opportunity
Årst scored twice as Brugge missed out on the chance to go five points clear at the top of the league. The Norwegian international put Standard in front after 17 minutes, his shot from Joseph Enakarhire's cross taking a deflection off Tjörven de Brul. Almai Moreira doubled Standard's lead in the 29th minute when he evaded three challenges before slotting home.

Still top
Rune Lange gave Brugge a lifeline seven minutes after half-time with a header from Gaëtan Englebert's cross. But with Brugge striving for an equaliser, Årst sealed the win when he scored following good work from Moreira. Brugge now lead second-placed KRC Genk by two points, with Standard a further four points back in fourth.

One apiece
R. Charleroi SC hung on to secure a 1-1 draw at KSC Eendracht Aalst, despite having Ernest Etchi sent off. Etchi was dismissed midway through the second half for two bookable offences and the visitors held firm despite sustained pressure. Ali Emamifar put Charleroi in front in the 13th minute, reacting smartly to score after Grégory Dufer's shot hit a post. Patrick Dimbala, who will join Gent on 1 January, equalised after 57 minutes with a header.