Yuta Toyokawa, who was the subject of confusion over whether he had signed for Leeds United in January, produced an astonishing performance on Sunday to fire Eupen to unlikely salvation in the Belgian top flight.
The 23-year-old forward was signed by Eupen in January, with the Belgian side claiming to have taken him on loan from Leeds.
Leeds later denied having snapped up Toyokawa – although they may wish they had after his performance against Mouscron on Sunday – and Eupen then confirmed his permanent arrival.
Eupen went into the final regular matchday in the Jupiler Pro League battling with Mechelen to avoid finishing bottom and survive.
Mechelen went 2-0 up against Waasland-Beveren by the 57th minute and Eupen, who were drawing 0-0 with Mouscron, knew they needed to win by four goals to survive on goal difference.
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Enter Toyokawa, brought on off the bench by Eupen boss Claude Makelele.
The Japanese forward made it 1-0 to Eupen in the 73rd minute as he enjoyed an instant impact, while he then fed Luis Garcia to make it 2-0 in the 76th minute.
Eupen still needed to score twice without reply in the final 14 minutes, while hoping Mechelen could not extend their lead over Waasland-Beveren, to have a better goal difference.
And the dream was on when Toyokawa grabbed his second with ten minutes left.
The 23-year-old then wrote his name in the stars by scoring his hat-trick with a minute left, handing Eupen the 4-0 win they needed to finish 15th, just above Mechelen on goal difference, and survive in the Belgian top tier.
Eupen are owned by the Aspire Academy, who have close links with Leeds, leaving open the prospect that Toyokawa may one day officially be on the books at Elland Road.
