Vincent Janssen scored the first goal of the new Jupiler Pro League season on Friday. Despite the striker’s goal, Royal Antwerp were held to a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Janssen opened the scoring for Antwerp at the Bosuil in the 36th minute. The former Netherlands international shot a free kick from about 25 meters through the wall and past the Royale Union goalkeeper’s hand into the net.
Antwerp didn’t take all three points. Midway through the second half, Raul Florucz finished off a fine through ball from Ousseynou Niang. As a result, the champion was spared a defeat at the start of the season.
Janssen and former FC Utrecht player Gyrano Kerk had a starting place at Royal Antwerp. Glenn Bijl, former player of FC Emmen and recently signed by the Antwerp of technical director Marc Overmars, was on the bench for the entire match.