Europa League: Anderlecht break in extra time

FRIDAY, 21 APRIL 2017, 22:58 - Skyhawk
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GAMES Anderlecht are eliminated from the Europa League. After a heroic match at Old Trafford, the Mauves were close to qualification but Manchester United scored the winning goal after 108 minutes of football: 2-1. 

Anderlecht and Manchester had kept each other in balance in the first leg of the Europa League's quarter finals in Brussels (1-1). So Anderlecht needed a goal in order to have a chance on a semi-final. The Mauves started this time with their strongest line-up: with Hanni and Teodorczyk in the team. 

United and Anderlecht both took a good start. Dendoncker had the first chance with an effort from distance. But Mkhitaryan scored already after 8 minutes on a pass of Pogba: 1-0. Anderlecht recovered rapidly from this setback and even took control over the match. Manchester saw their midfield dominated by Tielemans, Dendoncker and Hanni and were forced to defend. Anderlecht created a few good chances, the best for Acheampong who appeared alone in front of goalkeeper Romero but missed. After 33 minutes of play, Anderlecht got what they deserved: the equaliser. Tielemans hit the crossbar with a shot and in the rebound Hanni scored: 1-1.

The second half started with both teams completely in balance and chances on both sides. After 60 minutes, Manchester had created 12 chances and Anderlecht 11 in a football match of the highest European level. Manchester coach Mourinho then brought Fellaini into play to retake control over the midfield. Weiler was forced to replace Hanni who apparently had a minor thigh injury. Stanciu took his place and also Bruno came for Chipciu. This turned the tide of The Reds who started to dominate the game. Anderlecht defender superbly though and made it to extra time with a 1-1. 

The first 15 minutes of extra time didn't result in a goal, but the Mauves seemed tired while the home side kept looking for a goal. That goal came early in the second half of the extra time. After 108 minutes, Rashford scored with an individual action. A tired Anderlecht tried to find that one extra goal that was needed for qualification, but came too short. Acheampong and Kara both had a good chance with the head, but the ball didn't go in.

Anderlecht and Manchester gave football loving Europe a fantastic quarter final at very high level. The match was very close and didn't deserve a winner, but unfortunately for Anderlecht only one team can advance to the next round and it became Manchester (1-1 and 2-1 after extra time)...

The game ended with Manchester coach Mourinho applauding for the Anderlecht fans. Later he declared: "I have a lot of respect for them. They traveled far and supported their team, that played a fantastic match, the entire time. They made noise, they were there and they pushed their team forward."



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