Anderlecht wins in Westerlo

GAMES Anderlecht did what it had to do with a 1-3 win in Westerlo. Dreyer's 0-1 was a meager harvest, as Purple-White spilled with chances. In the closing stages of the first half, Westerlo had some good chances, but after halftime Anderlecht put things in order through Delaney and Dolberg, even though it missed some great chances again. In the closing stages, Westerlo scored anyway. Verschaeren celebrated his return since March. Anderlecht can now await the results of the competition.


Anderlecht immediately showed the necessary initiative. Mistakes in Westerlo's defense gave Raman and Dreyer a huge chance after five minutes. This always should have made it 0-1. Five minutes later, Raman got a second chance, but he kicked over. Then, in minute 19, it was hit. Stroeykens found Dreyer and this time the Dane coolly finished in his well-known style.

Purple and white continued to press. After a good attack, Dreyer decided to hit a Westerlo player instead of the goal. On the half-hour Augustinsson crossed too hard from a dangerous position. Westerlo had to reverse, but it went full on its chance when it went on the attack. Raman was offered chance three by Dolberg on a golden platter. Bolat, however, simply snatched the ball out of his feet. 

That Westerlo was still in the match, Anderlecht had only themselves to thank. In the closing stages of the first half, the home team came on. In minute 38 it was almost equal, but Augustinsson cleared a ball from Yow out of the empty goal. A first serious warning and more would follow. Indeed, Schmeichel twice later had to react attentively to new Kempen danger. In the closing stages, Raman threatened again, as did Yow who headed wide.

Anderlecht continued to miss chances after the break through a strong playing Stroeykens. Not much later, an effort by Dolberg deflected off the crossbar and Delaney kicked hard at goal. Anderlecht again directed the game, but kept spilling (big) chances. Dreyer and Raman again failed to capitalize on another blunder at the back of the home team.

In minute 66, Verschaeren celebrated his expected return since March. A minute later, Delaney finally pushed the 0-2 into goal for Anderlecht after a combination between Dreyer and Sardella. A nice run by Augustinsson was just not converted into the 0-3 by Dreyer in minute 78. But it did not much later through Dolberg who seemingly easily slipped past some players and placed the 0-3 next to Bolat.

In the closing stages, the home team showed again. Daci poked the best opportunity for the home team just wide in minute 87. After Debast lost the ball, Schmeichel had to stretch on a shot by Van den Keybus. Westerlo scored a deserved goal in minute 90 through Bos, who outplayed Patris.

A nice win for Anderlecht which could have scored a lot more if some players had set their sights a bit better. Anderlecht currently has more points than in 2017 when it became champions. Now follows the loaded double confrontation against Standard. After the defeat in Liege, there is something to put right.

Score: 1-3
Goal(s):0-1 Dryer 19', 0-2 Delaney 67', 0-3 Dolberg 81', 1-3 Bos 90'

Westerlo:Bolat, Reynolds, Haidara (Rommens 86'), Bayram, Bos, Sydorchuk (Haspolat 78'), Madsen, Piedfort (Van den Keybus 78'), Matsuo (Stassin 69'), Frigan (Daci 69'), Yow
Anderlecht:Schmeichel, Sardella (Patris 85'), Debast, Vertonghen, Augustinsson, Rits, Delaney (Ashimeru 76'), Stroeykens (Flips 85'), Raman (Verschaeren 66'), Dreyer, Dolberg (Vazquez 85')

Yellow:
Red:

Referee: Lothar D'Hondt
Stadium: 't Kuipje

Source: © Internal source