Anderlecht at least third after strong first half

GAMES Anderlecht won with 2-1 from Antwerp. At half-time, Anderlecht deservedly led 2-0 against a weak Antwerp that only threatened after Frey's entry. Antwerp could still score, but they didn't get any further than one goal. That way Anderlecht takes at least the third place and a ticket for the third preliminary round of the Conference League.


After fifteen minutes De Laet played badly in, Zirkzee went past Seck who stretched his leg. The ball went on the penalty spot and Gomez floored Butez. Antwerp did try, but they couldn't do more than put high pressure. Although Anderlecht often played the ball around in the back, it was still dangerous regularly. 

Especially Arnstad and Zirkzee took advantage of the space. On a counter, the Norwegian might have made a better choice and in minute 35 he shot over from a nice position. Moments later Arnstad could try again after a nice attack via Zirkzee and Kouamé, but De Laet blocked well. Five minutes before half-time Anderlecht threatened both on the left and on the right. After Amuzu had picked up a cross from Murillo, he kicked just over. Just before half time, the home team deservedly made it 2-0. Zirkzee played Amuzu, who hit the ball with his left into the short corner.

After the break, it was Hoedt who hit the post on a free kick that hit the Antwerp wall. Anderlecht threatened and put Antwerp in a tight spot on their own half for fifteen minutes. On the hour, Zirkzee (a good one) had to go off again, Verschaeren celebrated his return after an injury. After the good start after half time, purple-white started to play sloppy. In minute 73' there was danger once more. Verschaeren launched Kouamé, but in the end Verschaeren just could not reach Murillo's cross at the far post. On the other side Van Crombrugge had to intervene for the first time tonight. He stretched to clear a low cross from the substitute Frey. 

Antwerp picked themselves up after the Swiss, partly because Purple and White were still not able to do much after the hour (and after the substitutions). A counter goal by Miyoshi was first disallowed after intervention by VAR, but Antwerp scored anyway in minute 83. Van Crombrugge saw the ball fly in the corner so that Seck could easily head it in an empty goal. 

Anderlecht held on in the end. That way Anderlecht does better than last season and obtains at least the third place. That gives the right to the third preliminary round of the Conference League, just like last season. At that time Racing Genk, as cup winner, became second. And now Sunday, finally a win against Union this season?

Score: 2-1
Goal(s): 1-0 Gomez 12' (PEN), 2-0 Amuzu 44', 2-1 Seck 83'

Anderlecht:Van Crombrugge, Murillo, Delcroix, Hoedt, Gomez (Mykhailichenko 60'), Cullen, Kana, Arnstad, Amuzu (Magallan 80'), Zirkzee (Verschaeren 60'), Kouamé
Antwerp:Butez, De Laet, Seck, Almeida, Vines, Nainggolan, Yusuf (Frey 70'), Balikwisha (Benson 62'), Miyoshi, Samatta, Dwomoh

Yellow: Mykhailichenko 65', Dwomoh 71', Verschaeren 90'+1
Red:

Referee: Nicolas Laforge
Stadium: Lotto Park