Alderweireld strike wins Antwerp's first Belgian league title in 64 years

June 5 - On a rollercoaster final day of the season, Antwerp won the Belgian league for the first time since 1957 thanks to a late strike from former Southampton and Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld to make 2-2 draw at Racing Genk, enough to keep Union at bay, who eventually lost 3-1 to Club Brugge.

The outcome of the Belgian championship season could not have been more dramatic.

At minute 88 Union were on their way to their first league title since the war, a minute later Racing Genk snatched the championship lead from Union, but in the end Antwerp prevailed in the 94th minute following a stunning strike from veteran defender Toby. Alderweireld claim their first title in 66 years.

“I have no words for it,” said Alderweireld. “We worked so hard for this. The team deserves it. Everyone had already written us off… I personally fought so hard for this, for my own city. Everyone was against us, but we did it."

Union had the momentum going into the final matchday of the season after their laborious draw in Antwerp, but once again Club Brugge proved to be the club's nemesis. With late goals from Noa Lang and Cisse Sandra, the visitors dashed Union's hopes of winning their first league title since 1935, leaving Dudenpark stunned.

Last season, when they returned to the top flight, Union finished second behind Club Brugge. This time, Tony Bloom's team came third. For Antwerp, it was also their first league and cup double.

"It's been a very long season and you've felt it too," said Union CEO Philippe Bormans. “The players gave their all once again, but in the end they still missed. Ten minutes separate us from the title and the harsh reality of football is that we are now only third."

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