Mons stay up despite defeat
Saturday, May 8, 2004
Article summary
Despite losing 9-0 at home to Club Brugge KV, who sealed second place, RAEC Mons were in celebratory mood.
Article body
RAEC Mons were thrashed 9-0 at home by second-placed Club Brugge KV on Saturday but avoided relegation as K. Heusden-Zolder and R. Antwerp FC both lost.
Crucial changes
Despite the scoreline, Mons president Dominique Leone was in celebratory mood. "We lost heavily tonight but I do not give a damn," he said. "We are staying in first division thanks to the changes we made during the season - getting [coach] Sergio Brio here and half a dozen new players in the winter. That is all that counts. The club is financially sound and we are going on."
Verheyen hat-trick
Gert Verheyen led the way for Brugge with a hat-trick, Rune Lange and Bengt Sæternes each got two while Nastja Ceh and Jonathan Blondel were also on the scoresheet. Brugge's victory sealed second place behind RSC Anderlecht, who won 2-0 at Cercle Brugge KSV, and ensured a place in the qualifying rounds of next season's UEFA Champions League. They will also contest the Belgian Cup final against KSK Beveren on 23 May.
Standard hopeful
Antwerp lost 2-1 at home to K. Sint-Truidense VV while Heusden-Zolder went down 4-0 at K. Lierse SK and with one game remaining both look doomed. R. Charleroi SC, third from bottom, drew 1-1 at R. Standard de Liège and can make sure of safety with a draw at home against Mons next week.
