Willem II vs KV Mechelen

The match kicked off at 14:00 local time on a sunny afternoon at the amateur club ground. Willem II, wearing their red-blue-white home shirts, started with the initiative. New signings Kasper Boogaard (on loan from AZ) and Eser Gürbüz were handed starts, while fellow newcomer Mats Lemmens began on the bench.

KV Mechelen had the first real chance. Midfielder Kireev saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Thomas Didillon-Hödl. Willem II responded through a Jaden Slory corner that found Jens Mathijsen, but his header went straight at the KV Mechelen keeper.

As the first half wore on, the Belgian side — known as Malinwa — took control. They created several promising openings but could not find a finish, and the teams went in at 0-0.

Willem II manager John Stegeman made two changes at the break, replacing Uriël van Aalst and Amine Et-Taibi with Divano Fernandez and Kayen Scheepens.

KV Mechelen came out strongly after the restart. Didillon-Hödl made a sharp save early in the second half to keep the score level, and the woodwork came to Willem II's rescue moments later when a long-range effort struck the post.

Stegeman introduced Virgil Misidjan and Sebas Wermenbol for Gürbüz and Nathan Tjoe-A-On around the hour mark. The changes injected fresh energy into the Willem II attack.

In the 68th minute, the breakthrough arrived. Jaden Slory delivered an excellent cross from the right flank, and Devin Haen rose at the far post to head the ball into the net: 1-0.

A quarter of an hour from time, Mats Lemmens made his unofficial debut for the club, replacing Mathijsen.

KV Mechelen pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Willem II defended compactly and looked to counter. The Tricolores held on to secure the win.

• Devin Haen (Willem II) — Scored the decisive goal with a well-timed header at the far post. The striker's movement and finishing were the difference on the day. Player of the match.
• Jaden Slory (Willem II) — Provided the assist for the winning goal with a pinpoint cross. A constant threat from wide positions.
• Thomas Didillon-Hödl (Willem II) — Made several important saves, including a sharp stop early in the second half that kept the game goalless.
• Kireev (KV Mechelen) — KV Mechelen's most dangerous attacker, testing the Willem II keeper and creating openings.

The match stats showed a contest that was tighter than the 1-0 scoreline suggests. KV Mechelen had the better of the play after the opening quarter-hour and carried more threat in the first half, but Willem II grew into the game after the break. The single goal came from a well-worked move from open play, suggesting the hosts' tactical adjustments at half-time shifted the momentum. Willem II's defensive organisation after taking the lead was the key structural factor; they absorbed pressure without conceding clear chances.

This was Willem II's fifth pre-season outing of the summer. They have recorded two draws (Jong AZ, FC Eindhoven), a defeat (Quick Boys), and this win. The integration of new signings Boogaard, Gürbüz, and Lemmens is progressing, with Stegeman rotating heavily to build fitness.

For KV Mechelen, the result extends a pre-season run that has seen draws against ADO Den Haag, KSK Heist, and Sporting Hasselt, alongside a win over Rupel Boom. The Belgian side will look for more cutting edge in front of goal as preparations continue.

Next up: Willem II host Greek side OFI Kreta on 1 August (14:30) at the Koning Willem II Stadion for their annual Koningsdag open day. KV Mechelen travel to face USL Dunkerque on the same day.

A typical pre-season friendly — competitive but lacking the sharpness of a competitive fixture. The narrow margin reflected the stage of preparation rather than any gulf in quality. Haen's header was the only moment of real incision in the final third. For Stegeman, the clean sheet and a second-half performance that grew in authority will be more important than the scoreline.