Headers bring Anderlecht to cup final

GAMES Anderlecht has qualified for the final of the Cup of Belgium for the first time since 2015. The purple and white defeated Eupen with 3-1, after the first match ended with 2-2. Defenders Murillo and Magallan paved the way.


In an atmospheric Lotto Park, Anderlecht had a dream start. Not even five minutes into the game, Murillo headed a corner into the goal completely free: 1-0. Anderlecht seemed to be on their way to a quiet evening, but not much later, it already became 1-1. The first time Eupen came on the other side, Prevljak kicked the ball via Magallan's shoulder into the ropes.

It would be the only time Eupen came close to Van Crombrugge before half-time. Anderlecht monopolized the ball and Eupen defended their goal. Purple and white played too slow and too static to convert their superiority into chances. The double lead came anyway and again through a corner kick. This time it was Magallan who scored: 2-1.

Just like in the first half, Anderlecht had a dream start after the break. Refaelov with the measured cross and Kouamé with the powerful header. From about 14 metres, he aimed the ball into the corner. The double deficit was the signal for Eupen to pull forward. Anderlecht had to endure the game and Van Crombrugge showed his value on a chance for Prevljak.

Just before the hour, Anderlecht put their affairs in order and started dominating again. There was space and purple-white got a few chances, but not really big ones. For a moment, things got out of hand when Peeters performed an old-fashioned flying tackle on Refaelov. He got away with a yellow card. In the final phase, Mykhaylichenko was allowed to come on as a substitute. He received a warm applause.

And so Anderlecht easily qualified for the cup final. AA Gent will be waiting for them. Hein Vanhaezebrouck's men eliminated Club Bruges.

Score: 3-1
Goal(s): 4' Murillo (1-0), 10' Prevljak (1-1), 28' Magallan (2-1), 46' Kouamé (3-1)

Anderlecht:Van Crombrugge, Murillo, Magallan, Hoedt, Gomez (86' Mykhaylichenko), Cullen, Ashimeru (85' Olsson), Refaelov (77' Ait El Hadj), Verschaeren (77' Amuzu), Zirkzee, Kouamé (85' Raman)
Eupen:Nurudeen, Beck (74' Heris), Lambert, Agbadou, Amat, Magnée, Jeggo (74' Deom), Peeters, Alloh (51' N'Dri), Ngoy (51' Nuhu), Prevljak

Yellow: 32' Prevljak, 45+2' Alloh, 67' Peeters, 80' Nuhu, 90+1' Amat
Red: 90' Nuhu (2 x yellow)

Referee: Nicolas Laforge
Stadium: Lotto Park