GAMES Anderlecht won the last test for the league against Wolfsburg. It came 0-1 behind, but Purple White were able to turn the tide after half-time after the substitutions of Dolberg and Dreyer. By then, Wolfsburg had substituted all their better players and Coosemans prevented the equaliser twice. So not many conclusions can be drawn after this victory, only that this Anderlecht can use every reinforcement. Moreover, it remains to be seen how Amuzu, who had to leave the field injured, will fare.
For Wolfsburg, the preparation has not started that long ago. They only play their first league game (against Bayern Munich) at the end of August. For the Germans, Nmecha (ex-Anderlecht) was missing through injury. Players like Vranckx, Maehle, Wind and Wimmer who participated in the European Championship were not yet in the selection.
Continue reading below the article
Continue reading Anderlecht did not start unkindly, but with the quick Amoura, Wolfsburg could easily torment the Anderlecht defence. Just before the quarter-hour mark, the Algerian was sent deep for the first time and he finished coolly. Anderlecht could not create any chances and it had to watch out especially for the 0-2. After 35 minutes, Amuzu was substituted injured. The flank player grabbed his knee after a duel. Hopefully the injury is not too bad as there are very few options available on the wings.
After half-time, Anderlecht played faster and better. It could already threaten a bit more, but without any big chances. That did happen after the substitutions of Dreyer and Dolberg. The Danes combined immediately and Angulo missed a huge chance after N'Diaye hit the post. Moments later, they did score. Dolberg pushed forward after hesitant defending by the Germans and floored the goalkeeper. Two minutes later, Purple White climbed into the lead. Verschaeren was sent deep and cleverly served Angulo who did not miss this time. In the closing stages, a good Coosemans was needed to keep Wolfsburg from the equalizer twice.
A fine win for Anderlecht, but one with the necessary nuance. This Anderlecht is far from full strength, but neither was Wolfsburg.
