Many duels but no goals

GAMES Anderlecht has won its first point in the Champions' Play-offs. In a match with a lot of duels, Anderlecht and Club Brugge got stuck on 0-0. Van Crombrugge saved the only chance for the visitors early on in the match. Anderlecht took a few shots, but Mignolet saved excellently.


In an energetic first half, Anderlecht clearly asserted themselves in the many duels. This almost cost the home team dearly when Magallan pushed De Ketelaere in the penalty area, but Verboomen and the VAR allowed the game to continue. Club Brugge dominated in the opening quarter and Van Crombrugge had to come up with an excellent arm reflex when Lang was on his way to score the 0-1.

Anderlecht tried their luck with shots from Amuzu and Zirkzee, but they aimed too high and wide respectively. The home team had meanwhile restored the balance and Club Brugge, who had to replace Rits after an injury, had no more chances. Five minutes before half time, Mignolet was alert to a low shot from Arnstad. Anderlecht was dangerous once more before the break. Hoedt tried to grab Mignolet from far away after a foul, and it was close. Mignolet had to rush to keep the ball out of reach. 

 After the break Raman and Delcroix came on to replace Zirkzee and Magallan, who had both been injured just before the break. The Argentine was not having his best half of the season anyway. Ten seconds after the break, Raman had a chance to score, but Mignolet tipped the shot over. Anderlecht regularly went on the attack, but lacked the necessary ingenuity to create chances. Bruges didn't show anything after half time, until Mata decided to hit the target in minute 67. His shot hit the post.

After a bad ball from Nsoki, Raman was able to move towards the Bruges goal again, but the striker did not see Kouamé and again found Mignolet in his path. Ten minutes before the end, a poor Buchanan cross hit the bar. In minute 84, a chance was created by Purple and White themselves. The substitute Ait El Hadj started the attack himself, but his attempt was eventually blocked. Paars-wit tried until the final whistle, but the Bruges defence did not let itself be surprised.

Anderlecht deservedly took a point against Club Brugge. It came up against a good Mignolet in several attempts on goal. This way, Anderlecht stays in contention with Antwerp for the third place. A big pat on the back for Arnstad's excellent performance.

Score: 0-0
Goal(s):

Anderlecht:Van Crombrugge, Murillo, Magallan (Delcroix 46'), Hoedt, Gomez, Cullen, Kana, Arnstad (Refaelov 85'), Amuzu (Ait El Hadj 65'), Zirkzee (Raman 46'), Kouamé
Club Brugge: Mignolet, Mata, Mechele, Nsoki (Hendry 83'), Odoi (Balanta 66'), Rits (Vormer 26'), Buchanan (Sobol 83'), Skov Olsen, Vanaken, Lang, De Ketelaere (Adamyan 66')

Yellow: Magallan 13', Nsoki 72', Balanta 84', Kouamé 84'
Red card:

Referee: Nathan Verboomen
Stadium: Lotto Park