On a chilly evening at Bosuilstadion, Antwerp made a powerful statement in the Belgian Cup with a 3-1 victory over AS Eupen on October 29, 2025. In a match that was crucial for both teams, Antwerp not only advanced to the Round of 16 but also reignited hope after a dismal run of form in the Jupiler Pro League.
From the very first whistle, Antwerp showcased their intent. Just three minutes into the match, Vincent Janssen found the back of the net with a swift finish, sending the home fans into a frenzy. This early goal set the tone for the evening and indicated that Antwerp was determined to break free from their recent struggles, having gone three consecutive league matches without scoring.
As the match progressed, Janssen doubled his tally in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Eupen. The striker's second goal epitomized his resurgence, a player once again full of confidence, having seen his team with a few fresh faces and a hunger to clinch victory. The atmosphere around the stadium shifted-from anxious murmurs of the home crowd to resounding cheers, a collective sigh of relief echoed through the stands.
However, Antwerp was not done yet. Just fourteen minutes later, Youssef Hamdaoui added a third goal in the 34th minute. The sequence of goals illuminated the home side's attacking prowess, leaving Eupen reeling. What had begun as a promising foray into the cup for Eupen quickly felt like a nightmare as they struggled to recover from the early onslaught.
Although Eupen has shown signs of resurgence in the Challenger Pro League, winning two of their last five matches, the task at hand proved to be daunting. Their streak of victories faltered as they faced a well-organized Antwerp side. Despite the scoreline, Eupen did manage to find a glimmer of hope when Oriol Busquets scored in the 68th minute, a solitary goal that at least prevented a total rout. The away team played with determination and created opportunities, but they lacked the finishing touch needed to capitalize on their chances.
Antwerp's defensive organization, which had been a source of concern in recent league outings, held firm against the Eupen attackers, proving that their training in the lead-up to this match had paid off. This performance was significant for the team, not merely for advancement in the cup, but to help alleviate the pressure building from a disappointing league campaign.
With this victory, Antwerp can take a renewed sense of confidence into their next matches. Their recent form had seen them lose crucial league matches without scoring, which left them languishing near the bottom of the league table. Now, they hope to carry this momentum forward as they strive for improvement in both the cup and league competitions.
Conversely, Eupen will need to regroup after this defeat. While the cup exit is disappointing, they can look to their recent form in the league as a guide. The players will need to analyze what went wrong in this match and ensure they bounce back in their upcoming fixtures to maintain their middle-table position in the Challenger Pro League.
Looking ahead, the stakes are high for both teams as the season progresses. For Antwerp, the challenge now is to find consistency and climb the league standings, while for Eupen, regaining their earlier momentum will be critical to avoid slipping into a rut. This match may have been a turning point for Antwerp, but the road ahead remains rugged for both sides.