Anderlecht loses a double advantage

GAMES After a weak first half, Anderlecht led 0-2 in the 75° minute thanks to Doku and an own goal from Mechelen. The Purples & Whites appeared to be in control of the game, but then defensively fell short twice for Mechelen to return to the same level ten minutes later. Vlap and Luckassen could have given Anderlecht all three points in the final phase.

After a minute and a half, Sardella sent Doku deep. The right winger was too short to take the ball. After four minutes, the home team almost went ahead. Schoofs launched centrally, but was placed wide. KV Mechelen had possession of the ball, but could only threaten with an oblique shot from Storm. Anderlecht only reached the other side through a free kick from Zulj. The Purple & White suffered a lot of turnover in the first half hour and the midfield could not take control of the game at any time.

After the break half an hour, anderlecht seemed a bit more focused. It entered the game somewhat better, but the only direct achievement was only a header from Murillo that was deflected from the goal. For Mechelen, Vranckx fell weak and too fair into the hands of Van Crombrugge. A disappointing and terrible first part, although of course the enormous heat also played a role.

Schoofs did the same at five minutes in the second half as in the first: now he headed for a great opportunity when he appeared in center-back. A few minutes later, Togui hit the far post from close range after a free kick. The next to reach a promising position for Mechelen was Hairemans. Anderlecht finally showed themselves on the other side. Murillo continued hard and Peyre almost headed into his own goal. After an hour, Colassin, Dimata came to ease the rush. A few minutes later, the substitute ran free, but his shot ended up wide. Purple & White took the lead in the next action. Doku did not come out for once and surprised Bijker by entering. Coucke had no chance against the flank attacker's shot.

After 71 minutes, Luckassen was strangely central to the error. Togui was alone and seemed to score the tying run, but the attacker went wide. On the other hand. with a bit of luck, it fell 0-2. Murillo was free and again pushed hard. The ball was touched by Bijker and it landed cleanly in the far corner of Mechelen's goal.

Anderlecht seemed to have won the game, but the defense began to break down. Substitute De Camargo headed 1-2 againts the nets after a weak defense at Anderlecht down the left. Luckassen was too late to prevent the experienced De Camargo from making the headlines. A few minutes later, Mechelen was already on the same level. Cobbaut went center under a high ball and Vanlerberghe took the ball well and then kicked low. A double lead was delivered too easily in a short time.

Two minutes before the end, Vlap had the winning goal on his feet. The Dutchman kicked low, but Coucke took the ball out of the goal. Anderlecht immediately hit the crossbar after a corner via Luckassen. Mechelen escaped a late defeat.

All in all, it's not an unfair draw given the various chances Mechelen couldn't finish after the break, but losing a double lead fifteen minutes before the end is sure to hold for a while. The defense did not make a stable impression, certainly not a the central axe. Anderlecht also gave very little to the offense, so Tau and Bundu are expected to be ready to play soon. Offensive reinforcement is still a necessity anyway.

Goals: 0-1 Doku (63'), 0-2 Bijker (owngoal) (75'), 1-2 De Camargo (82'), 2-2 Vanlerberghe (85')

Tarjetas amarillas: Van Damme (29'), Kabore (41'), Luckassen (43'), Vlap (52'), Vranckx (69'), Colassin (87')

Tarjetas rojas: /

KV Mechelen line up: Coucke, Bijker, Bushiri, Peyre, Vranckx (Vanlerberghe 83'), Hairemans (Kaya 79'), Van Damme, Storm (De Camargo 76'), Schoofs, Kabore and Togui

Anderlecht line up: Van Crombrugge, Murillo, Luckassen, Cobbaut, Sardella (Kayembe 87'), Zulj, Sambi Lokonga, Vlap, Amuzu (Verschaeren 87'), Doku and Dimata (Colassin 59')

Stadium: AFAS
Referee: Alexandre Boucaut