Belgian football took centre stage, with Club Brugge, Anderlecht, Union and Standard all in action, while Kasterlee welcomed the first spectators for its pumpkin launch. Abroad, Brazil voted in a runoff and Real Madrid faced Barcelona without Thibaut Courtois, as a zookeeper at Beekse Bergen was attacked by a Persian leopard.
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona meet at Camp Nou tonight for the Clásico. Led by Hansi Flick, Barcelona are six points ahead of Los Blancos after nine matches. Real Madrid want to cut that deficit in the top-of-the-table clash. Thibaut Courtois is absent as the Madrid side seek to halt the leaders.
In Lichtaart near Kasterlee, dozens of teams are taking part today in the Pumpkin Regatta. They are racing in large, hollowed-out pumpkins in a relay on the water at the Ark van Noë. Volunteers are currently preparing the vessels, while the first spectators arrive. The starting gun goes off at 11 a.m., after which the race will be followed live.
Polling stations opened Sunday in Brazil for the presidential runoff. Left-wing incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is facing conservative Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Voters are choosing the country’s next head of state in an election pitting two major figures in Brazilian politics against each other.
Club Brugge host STVV on Sunday afternoon and want to extend their strong run. A win could temporarily put the Bruges side top. The match therefore carries added significance for the standings and will show whether the blue-and-blacks can maintain their good form against the visitors.
An experienced animal keeper from Flanders was seriously injured when a Persian leopard attacked her at Beekse Bergen Safari Park in Hilvarenbeek. Colleagues heard a scream and received an emergency call over the walkie-talkie, after which a trauma helicopter landed. The woman has worked at the park for 25 years. The incident underscores that wild animals remain dangerous even in captivity.
RSC Anderlecht travel to Ghent to face Gent in the league. The Mauves head into the match after regaining their form in European competition. Gent remain unbeaten in the domestic competition. Anderlecht's starting lineup features just one change for this difficult trip to Belgian Flanders.
The match between Union and Cercle Brugge has begun 0-0 in the Pro League. Still unbeaten in the league, Union currently sit fourth. A home win would move them into the top three, while Cercle will try to leave with a positive result. The match is ongoing.
Ryan Fosso will start for Standard in their league trip to Genk. The Liège club are coming off three consecutive defeats and will look to bounce back on their opponent’s pitch. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. for this match between the two Belgian teams.
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