The 2003–04 season of the Belgian First Division was held between 8 August 2003 and 15 May 2004. Sporting Anderlecht became champions on 24 April 2004. Promoted teams These teams were promoted from the second division at the start of the season: Cercle Brugge K.S.V. (second division champions) K. Heusden-Zolder (playoff winner) Relegated teams These teams were relegated to the second division at the end of the season: K. Heusden-Zolder R. Antwerp F.C. Anderlecht's title success The battle for the title was not great as Anderlecht had a big lead over their opponents (mainly Club Brugge). However, a bad finish from Anderlecht kept the suspense until the 31st matchday when Club Brugge drew with Mouscron while the team from Brussels also drew (1-1) at Herman Vanderpoortenstadion, the homeground of Lierse. Battle for Europe The next week, Club Brugge was sure to enter the UEFA Champions League Preliminary Round with a 1-0 win against Standard Liège, then lying third. In spite of this defeat, Standard managed to qualify for the UEFA Cup as they were 6 points ahead of Mouscron after the 32nd matchday. The suspense was killed after a 1-1 draw against Charleroi the next Saturday. The relegation dog fight The end of the league was thus centered on the battle against relegation. Four teams were concerned : R.A.E.C. Mons and Charleroi, which finally saved themselves, R. Antwerp F.C. and K. Beringen-Heusden-Zolder finishing respectively 6 and 5 points adrift. Final league table Results Top goal scorers See also 2003–04 in Belgian football References Sport.be website - Archive Belgian Pro League seasons Belgian 1