Strong first half gives Anderlecht a deserved victory

GAMES Anderlecht have finally won an away game. It deservedly won with 1-2 in Genk, which could bring little outside of an early goal. Anderlecht played a strong first half and put things in order before half time with two goals. After the break, the Purple & White came out more difficult, but Genk could not really threaten Anderlecht. An important win against a direct competitor for Play-off 1.


The match started badly for Anderlecht. El Hadj played a dangerous ball and Miazga hesitated so that the fast Bongonda could take the ball and could head towards Wellenreuther's goal. The German goalkeeper could not avoid the early goal. But despite another stupid goal against, Anderlecht did not give up. Lawrence passed low, Nmecha was one foot late. Genk seemed to (have to) leave the ball to Anderlecht.

After fifteen minutes of possession without chances, Bruun Larsen served Amuzu. The winger shot well to goal and via the post and Vukovic the ball ended up in goal. A bit of luck is also allowed from time to time. Anderlecht pushed through. After a nice combination between Nmecha and Sambi Lokonga, the ball ended up with Ait El Hadj who had searched the depth. The midfielder controlled and volleyed the ball into goal, immediately his first goal for the Purple & White.

Genk was unable to change the game. It was fortunate that Anderlecht could not extend the lead. It was given no fewer than four options for this. Lucumi took a ball off the line after a good combination and Nmecha headed over after another well constructed attack. In the final phase, Nmecha intercepted the ball well, but his attempt to put Ait El Hadj alone in the direction of goal was just blocked by a Genk foot. Genk also blocked a last attempt by the visitors, namely Bruun Larsen. Anderlecht deservedly went into halftime with the lead.

After the break Genk seemed to come out of the dressing room more fiercely. Onuachu was first found in minute 55. About ten minutes later, Amuzu headed for goal. He passed to Mukairu, but the substitute needed too much time. In the 66th minute, the same Mukairu cut in. Instead of playing Nmecha, the Nigerian took his chance himself, without any result.

Twenty minutes before the end, the Purple & White was pushed back further for the first time. The tired Nmecha, who was often a bit unhappy in his actions, was replaced by Dauda. Anderlecht hardly came out, but it held up well. In minute 86 'Wellenreuther came out too late, but Dessers headed over. In the added time, Genk suddenly got a lot of space, but Onuachu and Dessers were unable to force the equalizer.

Anderlecht were able to turn a disastrous start into a deserved lead before half-time under the impulse of a strong midfield. In the second half Genk had the upper hand, but it didn't really get any real chances. The Purple & White held their ground and recorded an important victory in the battle for Play-off 1. The confirmation should follow next week in Union and in Cercle Bruges.

Score: 1-2
Goal(s): 1-0 Bongonda (2 '), 1-1 Vukovic (own) (18'), 1-2 Ait El Hadj (21 ')

Racing Genk:Vukovic, Preciado (46 'Toma), Cuesta, Lucumi, Muñoz, Thorstvedt (83' Dessers), Heynen, Arteaga, Ito, Bondonda, Onuachu
Anderlecht: Wellenreuther, Murillo, Miazga, Delcroix, Lawrence, Cullen, Sambi Lokonga, Ait El Hadj (81 'Trebel), Amuzu, Bruun Larsen (61' Mukairu), Nmecha (73 'Dauda)

Yellow: Cullen (27 '), Heynen (48'), Arteaga (53 '), Wellenreuther (88'), Lucumi (90 ')
Red:

Referee: Bram Van Driessche
Stadium: Luminus Arena