Deserved draw for Anderlech

GAMES Anderlecht played 1-1 against Spanish Villarreal. The Spaniards took the lead before halftime, but in a good second half from Purple and White, Dreyer equalized with a clever shot. Anderlecht played a very solid game, even if it didn't result in a lot of chances. The return game will obviously be particularly tough, but the hope of qualification remains alive after yesterday.


Anderlecht didn't start badly, but they didn't get further than a disallowed goal by Raman. After fifteen minutes, the Spaniards took control of the game. Especially the dangerous Chukwueze was wanted on the right. After 23 minutes he got a good chance, but he didn't hit the ball well. Anderlecht responded immediately through a good chance for Raman, but his effort in time landed too centrally in Reina's goal. Villarreal's second attempt did hit the mark. Murillo, who played a strong game today, was still high after his team lost the ball and there was a big gap on the right where Trigueros was served and neatly deposited the ball next to Verbruggen in goal.

After the 0-1, the game became messy, partly due to many mistakes. Goal scorer Trigueros received a yellow card in minute 38 and should have received another yellow card moments later when he ran over Amuzu. Polish referee Frankowski spared the Spanish veteran. In the absolute closing stages, Cuenca was able to take another lunge at Verbruggen.

After halftime Anderlecht recovered, although Verbruggen had to perform his best save on a placing ball from Baena. On a breakaway, Amuzu played to Dreyer after Trigueros lost the ball. The Dane seemed to lose momentum by cutting back, but he took a hard shot and popped past Reina from a long way out. Anderlecht continued to play well and substitutes Slimani and Verschaeren still tried. A weak Villarreal only came to life in the closing stages after half-time with a number of experienced substitutes, but the Spaniards didn't create any more chances apart from some messy phases.

Another good performance by Anderlecht in Europe where the pressure is lower than in the league where they still have to chase. Curious to see if Purple White can reach the same level Sunday against Cercle.

Score: 1-1
Goal(s):0-1 Trigueros 27', 1-1 Dreyer 57'

Anderlecht:Verbruggen, Murillo, Debast, Vertonghen, N'Diaye (Sardella 85'), Diawara, Verschaeren, Refaelov (Ashimeru 72'), Amuzu (Stroeykens 64'), Dreyer (A,gulo 75'), Raman (Slimani 64')
Villarreal:Reina, Cuenca, Foyth, Parejo, Chukwueze (Pino 58'), Mojica, Trigueros (Terrats 74'), Alex B. (Lo Celso 74'), Morales (Jackson 74'), Mandi, Pascual (Moreno 58')

Yellow: Trigueras 38', Riemer 43'
Red:

Referee: Bartosz Frankowski
Stadium: Lotto Park