Anderlecht Qualify Despite Losing 2-1 to Getafe

WEDNESDAY, 19 DECEMBER 2007, 23:01 - andy
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In an embarrasingly poor performance, Anderlecht lost 2-1 to Getafe. However Aalborg saved the day by beating Hapoel Tel-Aviv 1-3 and thus ensuring qualification for the Mauves.


Right from the start it became clear that Anderlecht would be facing a tough evening. Getafe claimed possession of the ball and threatened almost immediately. Deschacht let Hernandez make a shot from just inside the box and the ball got deflected by Van Damme. The wrong-footed Zitka saw the ball bounce into the netting.

Anderlecht reacted quickly. The much-criticized Théréau was clear to knock the ball into the goal but instead opted for a header, his effort went just wide.

Early in the second half Getafe knocked Anderlecht out. The Anderlecht defense lost sight of Celestini who was free to put the ball after an excellent center past Zitka. Getafe continued to control the game with their quick passing game while Anderlecht demonstrated its bad form with every single touch of the ball. Despite Getafe resting its top goalkeeper Abbondanzierri, Sporting saw many attempts at the goal saved or hitting the post.

A goal by Théréau in injury time could do little to forget the visiting team's terribly weak performance. Anderlecht may thank Aalborg for ensuring their qualification.

Standings in Group G:
1. Getafe (9 pts after 4 games)
2. Tottenham (7 pts after 4 games)
3. Anderlecht (5 pts after 4 games)
4. Aalborg (4 pts after 4 games)
5. Hapoel Tel-Aviv (3 pts after 4 games)


Score: 2-1
Goal(s): 04' Pablo Hernandez 1-0, 49' Fabio Celestini 2-0 en 90' Théréau 2-1

Getafe:Pato, Belenguer, Contra, Diaz, Licht, Celestini (72' Casquero), De la red, Granero, Hernandez (60' Cotel), Del Moral, Nobrega (78' Blanco)
Anderlecht:Zitka, Juhasz, Deschacht, Van Damme, Wasilewski (52' Mpenza), Biglia, Goor, Polak, Hassan, Legear (74' De Man), Théréau

Yellow cards:38' Wasilewski, 72' Goor, 79' Granero
Red cards:

Referee:Ivanov
Stadium: Coliseum Alfonso Perez



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