Balaban takes Club Brugge clear

One point clear
Balaban's eighth goal in all competitions this season three minutes into the second half at the Communal was enough to lift his team one point clear as RAA Louviéroise, who went into the weekend level at the top, succumbed to their first defeat of the season at KSC Lokeren OV.

First defeat
Taílson scored the only goal of the game after 16 minutes and La Louviere's hopes of staging a recovery were shattered when they were reduced to ten men just before half-time after Mario Espartero was dismissed. The defeat saw the visitors drop to fourth, a point behind unbeaten R. Excelsior Mouscron who also had a player sent off as they beat KSK Beveren at home. The visiting goalkeeper Barry Copa was given his marching orders too but by that time Mouscron were already leading through Patrick Dimbala.

Dindane impact
Reigning champions RSC Anderlecht moved to second after recording their fourth successive victory, with a 3-1 win at KV Oostende. Hugo Broos' side welcomed back Aruna Dindane from injury, and the Ivorian striker made an immediate impact, winning a penalty, which Nenad Jestovic converted, before doubling the lead at the start of the second half. Although Jürgen Landuyt pulled a goal back for ten-man Oostende with 20 minutes remaining, Johathan Legear restored the two-goal cushion two minutes from time.

Fourth defeat
The result leaves Oostende rooted to the bottom of the table alongside K. Sint-Truidense VV who also fell to their fourth loss of the season after a 2-1 defeat by KAA Gent.  KSV Cercle Brugge beat KFC Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen by the same scoreline, while K. Lierse SK ran out 4-1 winners at home against RAEC Mons.

Standard struggle
R. Standard de Liège were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by KRC Genk ahead of their UEFA Champions League tie against RC Deportivo La Coruña on Wednesday, despite the home side losing goalkeeper Jan Moons after just two minutes. It could have been worse too after Genk took the lead through Koen Daerden, but Sambegou Bangoura equalised.  FC Brussels also had a player sent off as they lost to KVC Westerlo by a solitary David Paas goal.