St.Truiden contre Zulte Waregem — Belgian Pro League

**St.Truiden 3-2 Zulte Waregem**

**Playing Style:** St.Truiden dominated possession (59% vs 41%) and created more chances overall, with 17 shots compared to Zulte Waregem’s 12. Their play was more structured, with a high number of passes (408 vs 292) and a strong pass accuracy (68% vs 56%). They were more effective in the final third, with more shots on target (7 vs 3), more shots inside the box (12 vs 8), and more touches inside the opponent’s box (45 vs 25). Zulte Waregem, on the other hand, played a more direct style, with more successful long balls (25 vs 20) and a higher aerial duel win share (55 vs 45). They also had more defensive actions (89 vs 67) and more interceptions (14 vs 5), showing a stronger defensive presence.

**Strengths and Weaknesses:** St.Truiden’s strengths lay in their control of the game, with better possession, more accurate passing, and a higher presence in the opponent’s half (78% vs 59%). They also had more big chances (3 vs 2) and a higher conversion rate (75% vs 67%). However, they struggled with defensive actions (67 vs 89) and had more shots blocked by the opponent (18% vs 58%), indicating some defensive vulnerabilities. Zulte Waregem’s strengths were in their aerial dominance, defensive organization, and ability to intercept passes (3 vs 2 per opponent pass). They also had a higher box entry to shot rate (48 vs 38), showing better efficiency in converting box entries into shots. However, they were less effective in possession, had fewer shots on target, and struggled with pass accuracy.

**Conclusion:** St.Truiden’s superior control of the game, higher shot volume, and better conversion rate of big chances (75%) suggest they were the more dangerous team. However, Zulte Waregem’s strong defensive performance, including more successful long balls and a higher aerial duel win share, allowed them to stay in the game. The final score (3-2) reflects St.Truiden’s ability to create and convert chances, despite Zulte Waregem’s resilience. Zulte Waregem may have deserved a better result given their defensive efficiency and ability to limit St.Truiden’s shots on target, but St.Truiden’s clinical finishing in key moments ultimately secured the win.