It’s time for the playoffs: the Belgian championship will soon come to a conclusion 

After a breathtaking end to the regular season, where the teams looking to qualify fought for the entire 90 minutes of the 34th matchday, the 2023 Jupiler Pro League playoffs can finally begin.

The 8 teams who have qualified for these playoffs 1 and 2 all dream of a spot in Europe for next season, but only the first group will be in contention for the Belgian championship title.

Champions Playoffs, a particularly competitive edition 

Genk, who are confirmed to be the leaders and are now sure to take part in the final race, have nonetheless had a roller-coaster end to the regular season. A draw against Sint-Truiden, Cercle Brugge, Charleroi as well as a defeat against their closest rivals and against Standard have cost a substantial amount of points to the players from Limbourg.

This streak of poor performances have allowed Union Saint-Gilloise, galvanized by their success on the European stage, to catch up ahead of the playoffs. The two teams are now tied with 38 points each. But who will have the upper hand?

Genk have shown a chink in their armor, but all is to play for. Now, every point will be even more precious. In the opening match of the playoffs 1 (30/04 – 18:30), the leader will face the miraculous Club Brugge. Genk are still the favorites and will be hoping to get the 3 points at home to keep their title dream alive.

While Union share the same ambition, watch out for Antwerp, who could potentially pull off the double by winning the Belgian Cup (30/04 – 14:30) against Mechelen and could certainly shake up the order of the standings to grab a hold of first place. The Great Old are only two little points behind their main opponents.

There is no doubt that the battle will rage on in playoffs 1! And what’s better than a little dose of suspense and adrenaline to spice up the end of the season? Who do you think will be crowned?

Europe Playoffs, a chance for the Circus partners

As for the playoffs 2 teams (KAA Gent, Standard, Westerlo and Cercle Brugge), they will certainly be eager to see Antwerp lift the Croky Cup trophy in order to avoid a match against the team who get 4th place in the Champions Playoffs to earn their spot in the 2nd preliminary round of the Conference League next season.

The Circus partners are seen as big favorites. After suffering a bitter disappointment, where they only had to guarantee the victory against an already relegated Ostende, the Buffalos have revenge to take. With 28 points to their tally, KAA Gent are tied with Standard, who see these playoffs as a blessing.

It must be said that the Rouches, who come from a disappointing 14th place last season, are on the right track to get back to the top. Getting back into the top 8 is an achievement in itself. Ronny Deila’s men will have to capitalize on their current form and get over the little mishap of the end of the regular season against OHL to get the icing on the cake: a European ticket! 

The two teams will also have to watch out for Westerlo and the last-minute guest Cercle Brugge, who just pipped Charleroi to the post thanks to their victory against Zulte Waregem during the final matchday.

Bet on the best odds for the Playoffs

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