Well-deserved 2-0 victory after a series of chances

GAMES Anderlecht won more than deservedly with 2-0 against Cercle and is back in the battle for the top 8. It had a lot of chances to come out with a monster score, but eventually Slimani was able to score once in the beginning and at the end of the match. Anderlecht played well and only had a more difficult period from the hour until Slimani's 2-0. After the European displacement, Purple-White awaits another difficult match next weekend with the away match to OHL.


Another good start by Anderlecht. After three minutes, Dreyer should have already kicked Purple-White into the lead. Slimani laid back well, but Warleson saved the Dane's attempt. But in minute nine, it did hit the mark. Slimani powerfully headed the 1-0 into goal on a corner. Then it took until minute 21 before Anderlecht could get out from under Cercle's high pressure once more. A nice attack over several pawns finally stranded Verschaeren who decided on Warleson.

In the 28th minute, a good save by Verbruggen was needed to stop the only chance before halftime by Cercle after a sly move by Somers. Anderlecht took control of the match again. Warleson twice saved a shot by Dreyer and also a rebound by Slimani that should have always ended up in goal. Possibly the Algerian was offside though. Next big chance in minute 35. Amuzu crossed sharply, but Slimani and Murillo just couldn't tap the ball into goal. Anderlecht continued to threaten, especially through Slimani as a spearhead. In extra time, the Algerian Verschaeren offered the 2-0 on a golden platter, but he fully rate his shot.

Anderlecht played possibly its best half in the league this season and could have easily led 4-0.

Anderlecht continued after halftime and Dreyer kicked too weakly at goal after a nice attack. Arnstad kicked a free kick against the crossbar in minute 50. On a breakaway, Slimani pounced on Warleson for the umpteenth time and a few minutes later he just couldn't reach an Arnstad cross. Around the hour, Cercle began to advance more and Purple and White had a harder time controlling the game. Denkey had a great chance in minute 71 after Verbruggen could not clamp down on a hard shot by Daland. The attempt fortunately grazed the post.

The fatigue after the game in Europe seemed to take its toll and Anderlecht appeared less and less on Cercle's half. Just then Slimani finally struck again. A shot from Arnstad deflected and landed at the feet of the Algerian. Slimani appeared to be offside, but VAR approved the goal because Popovic touched the ball for a moment. After the 2-0, Denkey was rightly ruled out after standing on Vertonghen's shin. Verbruggen also had to clear a placed ball by Lopes from goal.

Anderlecht did what it had to do in one of its better games this season. It got enough chances today to win two games. Although Slimani also missed chances, he did score two and kept giving his all until the end. In midfield, Verschaeren played strong before halftime and Arnstad after halftime. At the back, Vertonghen was the standout defender.



Score: 2-0
Goal(s):1-0 Slimani 9', 2-0 Slimani 84'

Anderlecht:Verbruggen, Murillo, Debast, Vertonghen, Sardella, Ashimeru (Refaelov 73'), Arnstad (Leoni 86'), Verschaeren, Amuzu (Raman 83'), Dreyer, Slimani (Stroeykens 67')
Cercle Brugge:Warleson, Daland, Popovic, Siquet (Hotic 79'), Ravych (Gboho 88'), Vanhoutte (Lopes 63'), Francis, Deman, Somers, Ueda, Denkey

Yellow: Deman 45'+1, Lopes 68', Riemer 90'
Red: Denkey 89'

Referee: Bert Put
Stadium: Lotto Park