Standard grab three points against Anderlecht

Anderlecht did not succeed in grabbing a point at the grounds of Standard de Liège. Jovanovic awarded last season's champions three points by scoring a last-minute goal.


It looked like Anderlecht would take a point at the grounds of arch rivals and last season's champions Standard. But Milan Jovanovic, who had yet to score this season, outrun the Anderlecht defense and put Standard ahead in the 90th minute of the game.

The home-team were announced as the big favorites, but it was Anderlecht who created the better opportunities in what turned out to be a disappointing game that was nearly devoid of major chances.

Fifteen minutes into the game, Anderlecht fired two warning shots through Gillet and Boussoufa. Not much later, the Moroccan midfielder created the first real threat for Anderlecht. Given too much space in the penalty area, he curled the ball inches wide.

Anderlecht were able to frustrate Standard by playing tightly organized. It took 43 minutes before the home-team could create its first big opportunity. Nicaise, who had come on to replace the injured Decamargo, headed a free kick into the side netting.

Anderlecht had to make two substitutions before the second half could begin. Both Polak and Legear remained in the changing room injured. Goor and Iakovenko were brought in to replace them.

The substitution of the latter proved crucial when the young Ukranian put Anderlecht ahead early in the second half. The striker knocked in a Vlcek center that left Espinoza without a chance. However, the advantage for the visitors did not last long. Poor defending gave Witsel the freedom to curl the ball past Zitka.

The game seemed to be heading towards a stalemate until Jovanovic decided it was his time to shine.

Score: 2-1
Goal(s): 56' Iakovenko 0-1, 64' Witsel 1-1, 90' Jovanovic 2-1

Standard:Espinoza, Camozzato, Sarr, Onyewu, Dante, Witsel, Defour, Dalmat (67’ Toama), Jovanovic, Decamargo (35’ Nicaise), Mbokani
RSC Anderlecht:Zitka, Deschacht, Van Damme, Juhasz, Wasilewski, Biglia, Polak (42’ Goor), Gillet, Boussoufa, Legear (45’ Iakovenko), Vlcek ( 78’ Chatelle)

Yellow cards: 17’ Legear, 58’ Nicaise, 90' Jovanovic
Red cards:

Referee: Paul Allaerts
Stadium: Sclessin