Antwerp and Charleroi face off for final European spot

The curtain will fall on the Belgian football season Thursday evening as Royal Antwerp host Sporting Charleroi in a decisive play-off for the country’s final European ticket.

At stake is a place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. Antwerp earned their shot by finishing fifth in the Champions’ Play-off - the mini-league featuring the top six teams after the regular season. Charleroi, meanwhile, topped the Europe Play-offs, which consisted of teams ranked 7th to 12th.

The match kicks off at 18:30 at the Bosuilstadion in Antwerp. All eyes are on veteran defender Toby Alderweireld, who recently announced his retirement. Coach Andries Ulderink confirmed Alderweireld is fit and could play a role.

Antwerp and Charleroi each won once in their regular season meetings. Charleroi triumphed 3-1 in Antwerp last December, while Antwerp claimed a 1-0 win away on the opening day.

Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Brugge, Genk and Anderlecht have already secured European places. Thursday’s winner will complete Belgium’s continental lineup.

^{Antwerp's Toby Alderweireld during a match between Royal Antwerp FC and Sporting Charleroi © BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERTS}