Anderlecht let win slip after half-time

GAMES The classico ended at 2-2 after an enjoyable game. Standard took the lead before the quarter-hour mark with some luck. Anderlecht responded before half-time and through Slimani they climbed up and over Standard. After half-time, Anderlecht had a strong period with some chances, but it was Standard that scored through Sardella who handled a cross unhappily into his own goal. Anderlecht do not get off to a terrible start with this point, especially with difficult matches ahead against Gent and Cercle, direct opponents for the top eight.


The game went up and down well in the early stages. Ohio forced Verbruggen into the first save after almost five minutes. Anderlecht combined well in minute nine, but Amuzu just could not conclude. Standard climbed into the lead just before the quarter-hour mark. Balikwisha passed Sardella too easily and his cross was hit unhappily by Dreyer. The ball landed in front of the foot of Ohio who was therefore not offside. The striker, who was just ahead of Verbruggen, calmly finished with a chop. Anderlecht responded through Dreyer and a hard shot by Verschaeren. 

Standard kept everything well under control until Fosey hit Amuzu at speed in the penalty area. Slimani's penalty was not well placed, but fortunately hard enough to bring Purple-White level. Four minutes later, the Algerian brought Anderlecht into the lead. Verschaeren cleverly sent Amuzu deep. Slimani worked the measured pass past Bodart with his knee. An eventful first half with a strong Verschaeren and Amuzu.

Just after half-time it was close to 2-2. This time Fosey was quicker than Amuzu, but Zinckernagel placed just wide. Anderlecht did not let up and started a strong quarter of an hour. Slimani served Ashimeru, but the Ghanaian controlled the ball instead of deciding immediately. Ten minutes after half-time, a shot by Verschaeren stranded on the legs of Noubi who protected his empty goal. Goals by Slimani and by Diawara were disallowed due to narrow offside.

A vicious foul by Ohio on Sardella caused some uproar. Lardot kept it to yellow for the striker and also for Amuzu who over-reacted. Standard immediately took advantage when Purple White took a bit of a breather. A hard cross from Zinckernagel was unhappily worked into his own goal by Sardella. Ten minutes before time, an angry Diawara was replaced by Refaelov: clearly a tactical change by Riemer. The game became sloppier in the closing stages and six minutes of extra time were added to that. Moreover, Anderlecht also had the European match in their legs. Donnum kicked just over and Anderlecht still tried, but there was no more gravy in the legs.

The battle for the top eight is far from over, especially with confrontations against Gent and Cercle Brugge on the agenda.


Score: 2-2
Goal(s): -1 Ohio ('13), 1-1 Slimani pen ('33), 2-1 Slimani ('37), 2-2 Sardella own (68')

Anderlecht:Verbruggen, Murillo, Debast, Vertonghen, Sardella, Diawara (Refealov '79), Ashimeru, Verschaeren (Arnstad '87), Amuzu, Dreyer (Stroeykens '87), Slimani
Standard:Bodart, Bope, Cimirot, Lafis, Fosey, Donnum, Melegoni (Noubi '46), Alzate, Balikwisha (Canak '83), Zinckernagel (Davida '90+4), Ohio (Emond '71)

Yellow: Melegoni '43, Slimani '54, Ohio '64, Amuzu '64
Red: /

Referee: Jonathan Lardot
Stadium: Lotto Park