Big share for Mignolet in Bruges win

GAMES A good Anderlecht lost 0-1 to Club Brugge who got saved by their goalkeeper. Mignolet especially picked up after halftime with some clever saves after Nielsen had kicked the visitors into the lead. Before halftime Anderlecht had failed to score through Silva and Stassin who hit the post. With the difficult move to Standard ahead, Anderlecht had best take the three points at Zulte Waregem on Thursday night.


The match started evenly, but after 8 minutes Debast was needed to prevent a first danger for Brugge. About ten minutes later, Purple White combined nicely and Silva had a great chance, but the Portuguese failed to score. Five minutes later, the home team had another good chance. Stassin hit the post from a difficult position. On the half hour, Murillo was sent deep nicely by Debast, but the Panamanian did not find the right foot in front of goal. Anderlecht continued to show the greatest will to score and often won the duels and the second ball. Bruges was also dangerous just before halftime through a free kick by Nielsen from long range. No goals at halftime and Anderlecht in particular had to complain.

Immediately after halftime, Bruges seemed to increase the tempo. This resulted in a great chance for Sowah during a breakaway, but Van Crombrugge did not budge. A few minutes later, Jutgla broke out, but Van Crombrugge cleared the place ball out of goal. On the hour, Purple White was dangerous for the first time after halftime. For his part, Mignolet had to defuse a low shot from Arnstad. Moments later, Sylla intervened to prevent a great Anderlecht chance when he intercepted Silva's somewhat telephoned pass in front of goal.

But it was ultimately the visitors who opened the scoring in minute 69. Vanaken, given too much time, found Nielsen who had infiltrated the penalty area. The Dane did not let this open opportunity pass. Ten minutes later, Mignolet prevented the equalizer. He stopped a header from Hoedt who climbed highest on corner. Then the Bruges goalkeeper reacted very quickly to a surprising attempt by Verschaeren. Another attempt, now by Refaelov, was blocked by Sylla. Time started to run out but still a big chance for Purple and White followed through Silva. Mignolet managed to clear the striker's deviation from goal in two shots.

In the added time, Sylla was sent to the side with red after a hard contact with Stroeykens, but the score did not change anymore.

With the difficult move to Standard next weekend, Anderlecht had better win at Zulte Waregem on Thursday night. That will require the same attitude and drive that was certainly present tonight.

Score: 0-1
Goal(s):0-1 Nielsen 69'

Anderlecht:Van Crombrugge, Murillo, Debast, Hoedt, Vertonghen, Diawara (Verschaeren 74'), Arnstad (Esposito 87'), N'Diaye (Amuzu 74'), Stroeykens, Silva, Stassin (Refaelov 59')
Club Brugge:Mignolet, Odoi (Mata 73'), Mechele, Sylla, Onyedika, Nielsen (Balanta 84'), Vanaken, Skov Olsen (Meijer 73'), Buchanan, Jutgla (Yaremchuk 73'), Sowah

Yellow: Odoi 38', Vertonghen 74', Meijer 90', Onyedika 90+5'
Red: Sylla 90+3'

Referee: Lawrence Visser
Stadium: Lotto Park