Anderlecht crush Bruges in play-offs

Anderlecht fought themselves back into the title race. After the surprising defeat of Standard on Friday, Anderlecht walked over Club Bruges and won with 3-0. Anderlecht return to 5 points of the leaders and 2 points of Bruges.


Anderlecht started with Cyriac and Mitrovic in the team and Kouyaté on the midfield. A lot of offensive power that is, and it showed. The Mauves started at a high pace and pushed Bruges back. In the first minute there was already a good chance when goalkeeper Ryan made a mistake. But the chances kept coming. After 24 minutes, a hard effort (113km/h) from outside the box went in: 1-0. Cyriac also showed his quality. A few minutes later, Bruges lost the ball on the midfield, Mitrovic ran across the flank and passed to Cyriac who easily scored. That same Cyriac ended a long pass fantastically by placing the ball around goalkeeper Ryan into the goal: 3-0.

Bruges didn't do much. They had their first and only chance with a header from Gudjonhson that missed the target. On the other side, a good Najar was placed in front of the Brugian goalie after a long pass of Tielemans. He was brought down in the box, but the referee didn't give a penalty.

The second half was less exciting. Anderlecht easily defender the 3 goals headstart and Bruges could never really concern Anderlecht. Lestienne was close to a goal at the start of the second half, but Proto saved. The visitors created a few smaller opportunities throughout the second period, but had to wait until the last minutes for another real chance: De Sutter's deflected ball fell on the crossbar.

The Mauves remain on the 4th place, but are closing the gap with Standard, Bruges and Zulte Waregem. Everything remains possible...