Pro League 2025-2026: here we go again!

The first matchday of the Belgian championship starts tonight with a clash that we all can't wait for. Who will put on a good show this season and who will disappoint their fans?

Title favorites

Firstly, the reigning champions, Union Saint-Gilloise, who have shown over the years that no matter how many players they lose in the mercato, they will always be able to replace them. We can therefore expect a Union that is strong and full of confidence that will fiercely defend its title. For their first match, the Unionists will open the season this Friday with a trip to Antwerp.

It's impossible to talk about the title without talking about Club Brugge. Since 2016, Brugge have never gone two seasons in a row without being champions. The Blauw Zwart have dominated the kingdom for 10 years now, so there’s no doubt they will be one of the favorites and if you ask us, they are even the big favorites!

A big challenge is waiting for Club as they will start their season this Sunday against Genk. The team from Limburg, who were leaders for a long time last season, had a complete breakdown in the Playoffs. They will therefore have to take revenge this season. What better than beating Brugge in their stadium to make a mark?

Some surprises?

Every season, a few teams manage to exceed expectations. Could this finally be the year when Standard de Liège manage to get back to the top? New management, new staff, new coach, new staff. The Rouches are starting from a blank page and have prepared well. The new recruits seem to bring real added value and Camara’s departure has helped to replenish the funds and make some good moves on the transfer market. Will the club from Sclessin make it to the Champions Playoffs?

Last season was clearly one to forget for KAA Gent. Gent was a punching bag during the Playoffs. Ivan Leko, a fresh new arrival, could clearly be a game changer. The Croatian had a satisfactory regular season with Standard who were lacking in technique. His great performances caught the eye of KAA Gent who came to snatch the Rouches’ T1. With Ivan, it's hit or miss.

A disappointment? 

Everybody's talking about the return of RAAL. Not only because of the organizational problem for the visiting coaches, but because of their exceptional rise towards a return to the Pro League. But exactly that, has this return been too quick? We will already have a good idea of their level when they take on Standard this weekend.

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