Kortrijk vs Valenciennes

The late timing of Valenciennes' equaliser — described by Kortrijk's official website as coming "in het absolute slot" (in the absolute final moments) — made it a gutting finish for the home side. Kortrijk had defended resolutely for much of the second half but could not hold out for the clean sheet that would have sealed a third win in four pre-season outings.

Fender Van Landschoot was the standout for Kortrijk, scoring the opening goal and providing a constant threat in the final third. The Kortrijk academy product, operating in an advanced midfield role, took his chance well around the half-hour mark.

Patrik Gunnarsson — the Icelandic goalkeeper, formerly of Brentford, who now plays for Kortrijk — was given minutes in goal but could not keep the clean sheet as Valenciennes found a late breakthrough.

Kortrijk's starting XI featured a mix of experience and youth: Brecht Dejaegere provided midfield nous, while youngsters Lenn De Smet and Liam De Smet started in what was a useful test of depth for manager Yves Vanderhaeghe.

Pre-season friendly statistics are often an unreliable guide, but Sports Mole's pre-match data gave Kortrijk a 62.4% win probability, with the 1-1 draw predicted at 10.1% — making the result a relatively likely outcome. The fact that both teams scored (53.1% BTTS probability) aligns with the cagey but open nature of the contest.

Kortrijk had won their previous three pre-season friendlies comfortably (5-1 vs Diksmuide, 6-0 vs Lauwe, 4-1 vs Marke) before losing 4-2 to Club Brugge on 4 July. This draw against a Ligue 2 opponent represents a step up in opposition quality.

Valenciennes, meanwhile, arrived on the back of a 2-0 win over Dunkerque on 4 July and a 3-3 draw with Francs Borains earlier in pre-season.

For Kortrijk, this was the fifth pre-season fixture of their 2026-27 preparations. They face another friendly away at Harelbeke on Saturday evening (18 July), continuing their build-up to the new Belgian Pro League season.

Valenciennes continue their pre-season programme against Ligue 2 opposition as they prepare for the 2026-27 French Ligue 2 campaign. The draw extends their unbeaten pre-season run to three matches.

A competitive pre-season workout that followed a familiar pattern: Kortrijk looked sharper early, Valenciennes grew into the game. The late equaliser was a fair reflection of the balance of play over 90 minutes, and both managers will have taken useful information from the runout.