Belgium were indebted to a late Kevin de Bruyne winner to see off a resurgent Wales in a World Cup qualifier classic in Brussels.
The home side were streets ahead in the first 45 minutes, racing into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku.
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An enthralling encounter comes to an end in Brussels.
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Harry Wilson’s penalty in first-half stoppage time stemmed the bleeding – and Craig Bellamy’s side were unrecognisable after the break.
New Stoke signing Sorba Thomas drove in his first international goaal to give them home and then set up Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson for a dramatic leveller.
That woke Belgium back up though, and while Lukaku had a second goal chalked off after a lengthy VAR check, De Bruyne found time and space to volley in a wonderful Tielemans cross to give Belgium the win.
Their first victory of the group knocked Wales off top spot while Belgium are now unbeaten in 21 World Cup qualifiers. It was Wales’ first defeat under Bellamy.
Thomas said: “To go 3-0 down, we made a lot of mistakes but then we controlled the game. They didn’t show us the respect we deserve, they thought it was over but we showed fight and desire.
“We were unlucky. We are a close group who will run through a brick wall for each other and we showed what we are about.
“Against countries like this you will be punished for any lapse in concentration. That’s hopefully the first goal of many.”
