Standard Liege secured a convincing 4-0 win in Aubel on July 8 2026, wrapping up its annual pre‑season friendly.

The match, held at Aubel’s sports complex, attracted between 500 and 600 spectators – a slight dip from last year, yet the atmosphere stayed festive. President Michel Remacle praised the host town for the warm welcome and stressed that the score mattered less than the family‑friendly evening.

How did the match unfold?

Standard opened the scoring in the 20th minute through Mitongo‑Muteba, followed by an own‑goal from Aubel’s Halleux that made it 0‑2. In the second half, Nguené netted in the 80th minute, and Makiese capped the win two minutes later. The final 0‑4 result confirmed the Rotterdammers’ dominance, while Aubel managed a few chances, notably from Tchamdjou in the 10th minute.

Why does this matter for Standard Liege?

The victory provides a morale boost for a side currently sitting 8th in the Jupiler Pro League with 40 points (11W‑7D‑12L) and having recently lost 0‑2 to Charleroi on May 23 2026. With a goal tally of 27 scored and 35 conceded, the club is still searching for consistency. The friendly allows coach Frédéric to test new combinations, especially as Josué Homawoo remains sidelined.

What does this mean for the weeks ahead?

The upbeat vibe and four goals from players like Makiese and Mitongo‑Muteba show the attacking setup works. With the title race still 17 points behind Club Brugge KV, Standard Liege must keep the momentum. The next official fixture is against Racing Genk on August 20, where the club aims to solidify its mid‑table standing.

How did the local community respond?

Aubel’s mayor praised the partnership: “It’s a real recognition for our club.” Volunteers ensured smooth logistics, and the sale of over 900 advance tickets demonstrates sustained interest despite school holidays and the World Cup. The near‑40‑degree heat the week before caused no issues; both players and staff were pleased with the pitch quality.

Standard Liege returns to Aubel each year, a tradition benefiting both the club and the region. With the upcoming competitive weeks in sight, this win offers a solid launchpad for the new campaign.