Silva gives the victory from thepenalty spot

GAMES Anderlecht won its first match in the Conference League. Against the weak Danes of Silkeborg, they had to win and in that Anderlecht succeeded via a converted penalty by Silva, deep in the second half. Anderlecht played weak before half-time, but after the break, the purple-white was able to create a bit more threat, which resulted in a deserved victory.


Anderlecht and Silkeborg made it a pleasant evening walk before half-time, everything at ease and without tempo. The Danes were able to try three times in the first ten minutes, but without any great danger. On the other side, Silva came up just short. After twenty minutes, the Danes once again threatened. Luckily, top scorer Helenius kicked over the ball, because he (and a teammate) were completely free.

Anderlecht meanwhile continued to move on without much movement, speed and with lines that played far apart. Amuzu was able to pass his man twice, but his crosses didn't land anywhere. Only in minute 43 did Anderlecht get a first chance. Silva could have played Refaelov or Ait El Hadj, but the Portuguese tried it himself and didn't kick the ball properly towards goal. So Anderlecht went into the break without getting a ball between the posts.

Again, the Danes were the first to threaten after the break through Helenius, but that would also be the last time they created any danger. Anderlecht took control of the game, but that didn't result in any big chances. Ashimeru's shot was too weak, but it was between the posts. Silva too could have kicked better when he tried. An eager substitute Verschaeren slalomed, Murillo kicked at Larsen.

In the end it was the substitute Duranville who provided the decisive action. His speed forced Felix to make a hand play and Silva converted the penalty flawlessly. A few more substitutions were made in the closing stages. A bit strange was that the strong playing Debast was taken to the side for Sardella. Apart from a corner, Silkeborg couldn't threaten Anderlecht anymore.

Next week, Anderlecht visits FCSB in Romania. Considering the results of the Romanians in the league, they should at least get a point there as well.

Score: 1-0
Goal(s): 1-0 Silva 79' (Pen)

Anderlecht:Van Crombrugge, Debast (Sardella 81'), Hoedt, Vertonghen, Murillo, Amuzu, Diawara (Kana 86'), Ait El Hadj (Verschaeren 46'), Ashimeru (Arnstad 81'), Refaelov (Duranville 62'), Silva
Silkeborg:Larsen, Sonne, Salquist, Felix, Engel, Brink, Thordarsson, Klynge (Adamsen 81'), Kusk (Kaaland 64'), Helenius, Tengstedt (Jorgensen 64')

Yellow: Thordarsson 25', Murillo 63', Engel 79', Silva 80'
Red:

Referee: Istvan Vad (Hon)
Stadium: Lotto Park