Former Arsenal coach Steve Bould leads Lommel to play-off final against Deinze after win over Zulte Waregem

Lommel and Deinze will battle it out for the chance to face the third bottom side in the Belgian Pro League and a shot at promotion in the Challenger Pro League play-off final. Deinze, who were up 4-0 against Patro Eisden after their first leg tie, beat the side again in the return fixture to finish with an aggregate score of 6-1.

It was far closer in the other game between Lommel and Zulte Waregem. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the tie in Lommel was decided by just a single goal. Lucas Schoofs got the City Group affiliate club the vital goal in the 78th minute from a set piece to set up a clash with Deinze. For Zulte Waregem, this has been a disappointing end to a season in which the club put a lot into getting back into the Pro League at the first time of asking.

Both Lommel and Deinze occupied the automatic promotion places at points this season, but were ultimately beaten to the top two by surprisingly good seasons from both Beerschot and Dender. Lommel are led by former Arsenal assistant Steve Bould, who is in charge for the second season in the Belgian second tier. Hans Somers is in charge of Deinze, having taken over from Marc Grosjean in November of 2023.

The first leg of the final will take place in Lommel on the 5th of May, with the return leg in Deinze taking place a week later on the 12th. The winner will the play either RWDM, Eupen or Kortrijk for a place in the top flight.