How to reach the Europa League?

Anderlecht deserved more in the double confrontation with Arsenal. At home, the Gunners made a lucky escape with two goals in the last three minutes of the match leaving Anderlecht behind with a defeat.


In Londen it were the Belgians who made a historical comeback (from 3-0 to 3-3). But overall, the Mauves remain behind with just one point on six. They surely deserved more.

But the situation is what it is and we have to be realistic. The second place in the group is still possible, but chances of taking it are small. The Belgian champions need two victories in the last two games while Arsenal cannot take more than one point. We don't see this happening.

So what about the third place and the ticket for the Europa League? The Mauves are currently occupying the third spot in the ranking with one point more than Galatasaray. The Turks have financial problems and their team is not in great shape at all. In Istanbul, Anderlecht deserved a win but had to allow a late equaliser. In three weeks time, both teams meet again.

Victory
A home victory for Anderlecht is always enough for the third place. Anderlecht would count five points on that case and Galatasaray just one. A gap that cannot be closed anymore with one game remaining.

Draw
A draw could be enough as well. The Mauves would keep their one point lead on Galatasaray but all depends on the last match then. If it's 0-0 or 1-1, Anderlecht will have the advantage. With equal points, the results of the mutual games count. If that is equal as well, the UEFA looks at the goal difference which is highly in favour of Anderlecht at the moment. On that last matchday, Anderlecht face Dortmund (already qualified). Arsenal on the other hand will play in Galatasaray. At the moment, Arsenal is not yet qualified.

Defeat
With a defeat against Galatasaray, Anderlecht will need a win in Dortmund and has to hope that Galatasaray gets defeated by Arsenal.