No difficulties for Anderlecht against Eupen

GAMES Anderlecht won with 4-1 against Eupen. Anderlecht's first two goals were gifts from the defence of Eupen. Afterwards, they got the 2-1, but Anderlecht was simply better and climbed to 3-1 before half-time. It missed several chances and at the end of a poor second half by purple-white, Raman scored the 4-1.


The game had barely kicked off when Zirkzee was able to move towards goal from the halfway line after picking up a ball from Heris. The Dutchman remained calm and kicked in the 1-0. A few minutes later Gnaka decided to hand out a second gift. Kouamé intercepted the ball and kicked in goal next to Nurudeen. Anderlecht was leading 2-0 after having unwrapped the Eupen gifts. But Eupen kept on playing freely and Van Crombrugge needed a good save to prevent the 2-1. The 2-1 came before the quarter-hour mark, thanks to a gift from Debast who passed to Ashimeru in the middel. Prevljak slid the 2-1 in.

The crowd held its breath for a moment when Ngoy shot just wide, but then Purple White took control of the match again. It was dangerous several times and scored a more reassuring 3-1 through a bicycle kick by Zirkzee. It then had chances to make it 4-1, but Zirkzee and Kouamé failed to score more. A more than deserved lead for Anderlecht at half-time.

After the break, Anderlecht could look for more, as long as they kept everything closed. Zirkzee got hold of the ball again and served Kouyamé who was standing alone. But the Ivorian kicked the big chance just over. On the hour, Magnee was given a boulevard of space on the right, but Van Crombrugge stood firm. Anderlecht's combination was not bad at all, but only twenty minutes before the end, they were dangerous again. Kompany then brought on Raman and Stroeykens for Kouamé and Zirkzee.

Although Eupen only posed a threat once after the break, the purple and white had to stay alert. Van Crombrugge saved the day again when a free kick by Peeters was deflected. The rebound was blocked by Magallan with his shoulder. The 4-1 finally fell three minutes before time. Magallan headed a corner kick in front of goal and Raman was in the right place.
 
Anderlecht did what it had to do by winning against Eupen, especially now Charleroi and Gent are close again in the standings.

Score: 4-1
Goal(s): 1-0 Zirkzee (3'), 2-0 Kouamé (7'), 2-1 Prevljak (13'), 3-1 Zirkzee (24'), 4-1 Raman (87')

Anderlecht:Van Crombrugge, Murillo, Magallan, Debast, Gomez, Cullen, Ashimeru (84' Kana), Refaelov (63' Ait El Hadj), Verschaeren (84' Amuzu), Zirkzee (71' Stroeykens), Kouamé (71' Kouamé).
Eupen:Nurudeen, Beck, Heris (70' Alloh), Agbadou, Gnaka, Lambert (46' Jeggo), Deom (46' Magnee), Cools, Peeters (81' Konstantellas), Ngoy (70' N'dri), Prevljak

Yellow: Peeters 53'
Red card:

Referee: Nathan Verboomen
Stadium: Lotto Park