Belgian First Division leaders Club Brugge have been denied a third straight victory by fourth-placed Mechelen in a pulsating 3-3 draw.
Lior Refaelov was the star for Brugge, scoring twice and setting up his club’s other goal but Mechelen fought back on each occasion, equalising for the third and decisive time through Steven de Petter with 15 minutes to play.
Brugge went in front in the 32nd minute when Refaelov finished off Jim Larsen’s lead-up work before the home side hit back just two minutes later through Thomas Enevoldsen.
Israeli midfielder Refaelov created a goal for Thomas Meunier in the 40th minute as Brugge took a 2-1 lead but Mechelen were level again by half-time thanks to a 42nd-minute strike from Wannes van Tricht with Enevoldsen providing the final pass.
A penalty 15 minutes after the break gave Refaelov his second goal of the match but Mechelen were not to be denied and De Petter’s 75th-minute equaliser ensured both sides finished with a point.
Brugge remain top of the Belgian First Division despite Saturday’s result as Zulte-Waregem also drew, leaving both clubs on seven points after three rounds.
Wim de Decker gave Beerschot a 1-0 lead over Waregem in the second minute of the second half and the visitors had Franck Berrier to thank after the French midfielder scored in the 81st minute to salvage a 1-1 draw.
In other Belgian First Division results on Saturday, Charleroi defeated Kortrijk 1-0 and Mons drew 1-1 with Lierse.
