Title: Zulte-Waregem Hold Champions-Elect Anderlecht to Pulsating Draw, Redefining Belgium’s Super League Race

On a gray Saturday afternoon at Gemeentelijk Sportstadion, the thunderous cheer that greeted the final whistle carried more than the relief of a hard-earned point—it echoed the sense that the Super League Women title race just became much more unpredictable. For Anderlecht, previously perfect in domestic play, a 1-1 draw against Zulte-Waregem was less a stumble than a reminder that the old certainties are falling away.

The narrative of early-season dominance met its most vivid counterpoint in the 65th minute, when Zulte-Waregem found the net to cancel out Anderlecht’s first-half lead. From the opening exchanges, the tone of the match was set: relentless pressing, abrasive tackles, and a midfield that refused to surrender space. Anderlecht, riding high atop the table with 12 points from four matches, arrived with an air of invincibility—unbeaten in the league and fresh from European exploits, their momentum unbroken even by midweek continental football.

Yet Zulte-Waregem, third in the table, entered as more than mere spoilers. Their recent form has been a testament to resilience: unbeaten in three of their last four league outings, including a commanding 3-0 away win over Genk just eight days prior. Even their lone defeat, a narrow 1-2 loss at OH Leuven, was marked by enterprise and threat. That hard edge surfaced again on Saturday, with every inch of the pitch contested in a showcase of tactical discipline and unyielding spirit.

The first flashpoint arrived in the 19th minute. Anderlecht, true to their attacking DNA, carved out a chance from the right channel. Their forward, undeterred by a packed defense, stroked home the opener with clinical precision, sending a ripple of concern through the home supporters. For a team that had yet to drop points in domestic competition, the breakthrough felt familiar—another routine step toward cementing their league supremacy.

But the script would not hold. Zulte-Waregem, refusing to wilt under pressure, began to seize territory and tempo as the match wore on. Their midfield tightened, stifling Anderlecht’s passing lanes, while the attacking line pressed with new intent. The equalizer, when it came in the 65th minute, was the product of sustained pressure. After a scrappy exchange outside the box, Zulte-Waregem’s forward found herself with half a yard and drove a low shot past the keeper. The stadium erupted—jubilation mixed with disbelief as Anderlecht found themselves on unfamiliar ground.

As the final half-hour ticked away, both sides flirted with the decisive blow. Anderlecht, stung by the loss of control, threw numbers forward, seeking a winner to preserve their perfect record. Zulte-Waregem, emboldened, threatened on the counter and nearly snatched all three points when a late corner glanced narrowly wide. The physicality of the contest escalated, but discipline largely held—no red cards marred the flow, though several bookings attested to the stakes.

For Zulte-Waregem, the draw is more than just a result: it is affirmation. This is a team that has quietly constructed a platform for contention. In a five-match span, they have now collected eight points, with two wins, two draws, and a single defeat—each performance marked by defensive solidity and incremental attacking threat. That they could match the league leaders stride for stride speaks to their maturation and cohesion.

Anderlecht, meanwhile, are forced into unfamiliar calculations. Their record still sparkles—top of the table, four wins, one draw, and no defeats—but the illusion of inevitability has been punctured. The draw means they maintain their lead, sitting on 12 points, but Zulte-Waregem, now third with eight points from five, have narrowed the gap and signaled to challengers that the champions are not untouchable.

Context deepens the drama. Just days earlier, Anderlecht ground out a 1-1 draw with Braga in the UEFA Europa Cup—proof of their capacity to endure in high-pressure environments, but also an indication that the schedule is beginning to test their depth and focus. Zulte-Waregem, on the other hand, continue to build upon domestic consistency, their recent results—wins against Genk and Westerlo, draws against Club Brugge and Standard Liege—rendering them a genuine threat to established hierarchies.

The head-to-head history between the two sides has largely favored Anderlecht in recent campaigns, with Zulte-Waregem seldom able to breach their polished defense. But the tide may be shifting. Today’s draw redefines expectations and sends a message across the league.

Looking ahead, the stakes could scarcely be higher. For Anderlecht, every match now carries the weight of defending not just points, but reputation and momentum. Their next fixtures take on added urgency, with rivals emboldened by signs of vulnerability. Zulte-Waregem, meanwhile, have an opening: their run of form and today’s result suggest a squad ready to challenge further up the table, both in terms of results and psychological edge.

The Super League Women is no longer a procession; it has become a contest, and October 11 may stand as its turning point.