Winger Kaoru Mitoma, one of Japan's most exiting young players, came off the bench and immediately set up a goal as Royale Union Saint-Gilloise claimed a 3-0 away win at Cercle Brugge on Saturday to sit atop the Belgian top-flight.

The 24-year-old, who was named one of the J-League's top players last year, is on loan from Brighton. He came on in the 83rd minute and provided an assist just a minute later, drawing defenders away with a trademark dribble down the left before laying the ball off to Loic Andre Terry Lapoussin for their third goal.

Forward Taichi Hara scored his first goal for Belgian club Sint-Truiden in their 1-1 home draw against Oostende.

The 22-year-old, on loan from Spanish side Alaves, rolled home the rebound in the 52nd minute after his striking partner and compatriot Yuma Suzuki had his effort saved.

Kaoru Mitoma (C) of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in action against Cercel Brugge in a Belgian first-division match on Oct. 2, 2021 in Brugge. (Kyodo)