Anderlecht wrap up 30th Belgian title

A 2-1 victory at Club Brugge KV's Jan Breydel stadium gave RSC Anderlecht their 30th Belgian title as they opened up an unassailable 13-point lead at the summit.

Jelle Van Damme gave Anderlecht the lead just before the half-hour and Matías Suárez doubled the visitors' advantage four minutes from time. Wesley Sonck struck in added time but it was not enough to prevent Les Mauves from winning their first league crown in three years after two successive triumphs for R. Standard de Liège.

Anderlecht topped the Belgian Eerste Klasse – 12 points ahead of Club Brugge – after the regular 28-game season and had their lead halved, in line with the league's regulations, to six upon the commencement of the play-offs. Just six games into the second part of the campaign they are 13 points ahead of KAA Gent, who now occupy second spot, and cannot be caught. Gent are a point clear of Club Brugge in the race for the second UEFA Champions League qualifying spot.

Anderlecht coach Ariël Jacobs was thrown skywards by his team after their title success was confirmed. "I should be the one to take the players on my shoulders," Jacobs said modestly, "but that is not really possible.

"The actors are on the stage while the director stays behind the scenes. I would not have imagined we would win here, although we managed to keep up a high level in previous weeks. I also believe what we have shown here is something to be proud of."