The Great Old dominated in the first half. De Laet put Warleson to work with a long shot. A little later Balikwisha served the centrally advancing Ekkelenkamp. The Dutchman scored unstoppably: 0-1. After a good attack from Antwerp, Ejuke took the lead, but Warleson pushed the ball into a corner. Just before the hour, Antwerp doubled its lead. Ejuke pushed in a cross from Ekkelenkamp.
But Cercle Brugge reacted immediately, Denkey tapped the ball against the crossbar. Moments later, the Togolese turned away and beat Butez with a crossed shot, good for his 12th competition goal of the season.
The Association increased the pressure. But Antwerp cashed in after a counter. The detached Ilenikhena collided with Warleson, Balikwisha could not decide in the empty goal in the restart. However, Mark Van Bommel’s team did not let the three-pointer slip away, 17-year-old Ilenikhena even added a goal after a pass from Yusuf.
With 30 points, Antwerp provisionally jumps over AA Gent (29 points) to third place, behind Anderlecht (34 points) and leader Union (38 points). Cercle Brugge remains sixth with 25 points.