Friday nights Belgian Pro League action saw table-topping Royal Charleroi travel north to KV Mechelen. Both sides treated us to an absolute goal fest as they drew 3-3 at the Achter de Kazerne Stadium.
Charleroi, while considered to be one of the strongest sides in the league, were not expected to be leading the league and staging a title charge. However, a consistent start to the season has seen them leading the way. Mechelen, on the other hand, have been disappointing, dropping points against teams they were expected to beat. With this draw, they have still only won once in the past five games.
This tactical analysis will look at how both sides had to play against each other’s two banks of four. Furthermore, the analysis will look at how Mechelen’s change in tactics allowed them to ultimately draw the game.
Lineups
Mechelen lined up with a 4-4-2 formation, with Gaëtan Coucke in between the goalposts. Jordi Vanlerberghe and Siemen Voet were the centre-back pair, flanked by Manchester City loanee Issa Kabore on the right and Sandy Walsh on the left. In front of them, Steven Defour and Joachim Van Damme were the central pairing, with Niklas Storm on the left and Geoffrey Hairemans on the right. Kerim Mrabti was in support of former Bundesliga striker Igor de Camargo.
Charleroi went for a 4-4-1-1 formation, with veteran Nicolas Penneteau in goal. Dorian Dessoleil and Steeven Willems were the centre-back pairing, while one of the most impressive players this season, Joris Kayembe, was at left-back. Jules Van Cleemput was on the opposite flank, with Ali Gholizadeh in front of him on the right wing. Mamadou Fall was on the opposite wing, with Ryota Morioka and Marco Ilaimaharitra making up the usual central pairing. Imposing forward Shamar Nicholson was playing just off Kaveh Rezaei.
![Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: Maurizio Sarri Zonal Marking Weaknesses And Unsuccessful Attacking Choices – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lazio-Vs-Napoli-tactical-analysis--350x250.png "Lazio Vs Napoli [0–2] – Serie A 2025/2026: How Antonio Conte Tactics Exploited Structural Flaws – Tactical Analysis 8")
