Lommel Returns to Belgian Top Flight After 23-Year Wait
Lommel SK secured promotion to the Belgian Jupiler Pro League on Saturday, ending a 23-year absence from the top flight with a tense 0-0 draw against FCV Dender EH in the return leg of the promotion/relegation playoff. Hundreds of fans poured onto the streets of Lommel to celebrate a historic achievement that marks the end of a long and painful chapter for the club.
A Dramatic Return
Lommel entered the decisive second leg holding a narrow 3-2 advantage from the home fixture. What followed was a nerve-shredding encounter that tested the resolve of players and supporters alike. Dender dominated large stretches of the match, but Lommel’s defense held firm in what VRT NWS described as a night of celebration after years of waiting.
The drama reached its peak in stoppage time. Dender’s Mohamed Berte unleashed a spectacular bicycle kick that beat everyone — except the crossbar. Moments later, 19-year-old goalkeeper Matthias Pieklak produced a miraculous save in the 90+8th minute to deny Nail Moutha-Sebtaoui, preserving the clean sheet and securing promotion.
According to Sporza, Pieklak was named Man of the Match for his crucial interventions, while veteran striker Ralf Seuntjens — who scored 20 goals and provided 10 assists this season — was the driving force behind Lommel’s campaign.
From Bankruptcy to Rebirth
Lommel’s journey back to the top has been arduous. The club last played in the Belgian First Division during the 2003-2004 season, which ended in bankruptcy and dissolution. Re-founded as KVSK United before reverting to Lommel SK, the club spent years climbing back through the lower divisions.
The turning point came in 2020 when the club was acquired by the City Football Group (CFG), the global network that owns Manchester City. Between 60 and 80 million euros has been invested since the takeover, transforming the club’s infrastructure and ambitions.
“The club has completely come to life,” sporting director Jeffrey van As told L1 Nieuws. “At the start of the season I thought: where is everyone? But last week there were 6,500 people, and I think next season even more will come.”
Street Celebrations in Lommel
As the final whistle blew at the Dender Football Complex, the real party began in Lommel itself. Hundreds of supporters who had gathered at Hertog Janplein to watch the match on a giant screen erupted in joy. The scene was one of pure relief and elation.
“This is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” supporter Siebe told VRT NWS. “The last minutes were really stressful. I was falling apart, but we did it. That’s the most important thing.”
Mayor Bob Nijs, who attended the match in Dender, called it a historic moment for both the club and the city. “People kept believing in the club, and after 23 years that faith is finally rewarded,” he said.
What Lies Ahead
Lommel’s promotion creates a historic situation for Belgian Limburg: for the first time since 2004, three clubs from the province — KRC Genk, STVV, and Lommel SK — will compete in the Jupiler Pro League.
However, questions remain about long-term sustainability. As VRT NWS noted in its analysis, Lommel’s economic dependence on CFG creates vulnerability, and UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules limit European ambitions. The potential reduction of the JPL from 18 to 16 teams also increases relegation risk.
Coach Lee Johnson, who hopes to remain at the helm, is embracing the challenge. “I’d love to experience that adventure in the first division,” he told Voetbalbelgie.be. “It will be a great experience.”
For now, however, Lommel is focused on celebration. An official ceremony at the city hall was held on Sunday, capping a weekend that will be remembered in the city for generations. After 23 years, the wait is finally over.