OH Leuven vs Crossing Schaerbeek

Crossing Schaerbeek, who compete in the Belgian National Division 2 (fourth tier), were never expected to match a Pro League side, but the game was effectively over inside the opening half-hour. Vaesen's quick double — the first after a slick build-up down the right, the second from a set-piece — put OH Leuven 2-0 ahead before Pletinckx and Opoku added further gloss before the break. The four-goal half-time cushion allowed Simons to rotate freely in the second period.

Kyan Vaesen — The forward led the line with purpose, scoring twice in the first half and causing problems for the Crossing Schaerbeek defence with his physicality and movement.

Dani van den Heuvel — The new goalkeeper's debut was quiet for the most part, but he commanded his area well when called upon and will be pleased with a clean sheet to start his OH Leuven career.

Siebe Schrijvers — The experienced midfielder came off the bench to score the seventh goal, demonstrating the depth of quality Simons has at his disposal.

Davis Opoku — A lively first-half display capped with a goal, showing why he is expected to feature prominently in the upcoming season.

The provider payload confirms a 7-0 full-time scoreline with a 4-0 half-time lead, reflecting OH Leuven's complete dominance from start to finish. In a pre-season friendly of this nature, shot counts and possession statistics were not officially recorded, but the scoreline tells the story: the Pro League side were in a different class to their fourth-tier opponents.

This was purely a fitness-building exercise — OH Leuven's first run-out of pre-season under new management. The result offers early encouragement for Simons, who took over after the club's 2025-26 league campaign. OH Leuven face Lommel and Lierse SK in their next pre-season fixtures, both behind closed doors, before a gala match against LOSC Lille.

Crossing Schaerbeek, who finished mid-table in National Division 2 last season, will face sterner tests as they prepare for the new campaign.

A predictable but professionally executed win for OH Leuven. The scoreline was never in doubt, but the fitness gains and the chance for Simons to assess his full squad in competitive conditions were the real objectives. Seven different scorers across 90 minutes suggests attacking intent, while a clean sheet on van den Heuvel's debut is a bonus.