Anderlecht plays draw against Rakow

GAMES Anderlecht ended its last friendly with a 1-1 draw against Rakow Częstochowa, the leader in the Polish league. It quickly got ahead 1-0, but before halftime the Polish visitors missed many chances to equalize. Anderlecht found it hard to create chances and after halftime it could hardly even threaten. The Poles were also less dangerous, but in the absolute closing stages they still managed to score the 1-1.


Anderlecht played its final friendly before the cup game against Genk next week. Against Rakow Częstochowa, it started with two notable names in the starting lineup: Butera and Hoedt. Butera left a good impression during the training camp and Hoedt was back on the field after he no longer seemed to be part of the first team. Red Devil Debast was also in the starting lineup. Vertonghen, Raman and Silva, among others, were unavailable.

Anderlecht climbed into the lead fairly quickly through Refaelov on an assist from Amuzu, but it was a miracle that this score was still on the board at halftime. Anderlecht struggled to play soccer due to the high pressure from the Poles and Rakow got a handful of clear-cut chances, often through their flanks. However, these big chances were all expertly missed. Anderlecht threatened once more through a deflected shot by Ashimeru and through Verschaeren, but Stroeykens was up front on an island. Butera was replaced with an injury by Sadiki.

After halftime, some substitutions took place. Diawara went on to play in the center of defense alongside Hoedt as a result. The referee spared Sadiki just after the hour when he drew yellow for pulling down a player, because red would also have been possible. Anderlecht never came close to Rakow's goalkeeper after halftime. A too hard cross from Angulo in minute 70 was the most dangerous thing Purple-White showed after halftime. Although Rakow was still putting high pressure, the Poles didn't seem to be able to score. In the absolute closing stages, however, Rakow still struck when a place ball was deflected into goal.

Lineup: Van Crombrugge (Verbruggen 46'), Murillo, Debast (Trebel 46'), Hoedt, Butera (Sadiki 19'), Diawara, Verschaeren (Stassin 72'), Ashimeru (Arnstad 46'), Refaelov (Angulo 60'), Amuzu (Ait El Hadj 46'), Stroeykens