Ten Anderlecht players thank Meunier for own goal

Anderlecht fought themselves completely back into the title race. With ten players, the Mauves beat Bruges thanks to an own goal of Thomas Meunier in the last minutes. Mitrovic got red after 36 minutes.


Bruges needed to win to regain the lead in the play-offs after Standard's victory over Zulte Waregem. On the other hand, Anderlecht also needed to win to stay in the race for the title. Though Bruges took the best start with an effort from distance forcing Proto to save. Mbemba was the best player in the first 15 minutes. He managed to clear the ball in the scrimmage after a corner kick and he blocked Lestienne's effort.

The moment of the game came after 36 minutes. In a duel between Engels and Mitrovic, the elbow of the Brugian defender hit Mitrovic. The Serbian stood head to head with Engels, who fell, simulating a header of Mitrovic. Referee Nzolo showed the red card. With ten players, Anderlecht made it to half time with a 0-0.

In the second half, Anderlecht defender the nill well, while Bruges couldn't really create serious chances. In the last 20 minutes, the home side eventually launched an offensive: Lestienne hit the crossbar, Deschacht prevented De Sutter from scoring and Proto saved a few other attempts. The Mauves patiently waited for the counter attack though. Kouyaté dribbled the whole Brugian defence but was stopped by goalie Ryan. Gillet's hard effort also forced Ryan to an excellent safe.

Five minutes before the end, the visitors took the lead: on a counter attack Gillet opened for Bruno. He took advantage of the space he got and stormed towards Ryan's goal. He tried to reach Acheampong with a centre, but Meunier intercepted and deviated the ball in his own goal. A final offensive of Bruges didn't cause much trouble for Anderlecht anymore: 0-1.