Weak Anderlecht beaten by Neftchi, but qualified

A weak Anderlecht have lost with 1-0 against the modest Azeri club PFC Neftchi. Though the qualication was never in danger, leaving the shameful result as nothing more than a footnote on the way to the Champions League.

The scoreboard didn't stay on 0-0 for a long time. Neftchi opened the score after 4 minutes of play. Goalkeeper Zitka tackled a player in the box and Cordas converted the penalty: 1-0. A bit later, the Mauves escaped from a bigger deficit when Cordas broke through. Zitka stopped the shot with a nice safe. Anderlecht came in trouble on the quick passes through the heart of the defense, but they were able to keep Neftchi from scoring again. The Mauves created their first chance after 30 minutes of play.

The second half was better. Anderlecht tried to control the game and went looking for an equaliser. Jestrovic and Akin came to reinforce Mpenza in the offensive line and this lead to a few good efforts on goal. But also Baku remained dangerous. They were even close to double the score, but the crossbar saved the Belgians.

With the 5-0 from the 1st leg, Anderlecht are through to the next round.