Anderlecht wins 1-3 in Mechelen

GAMES Anderlecht overcame a tough challenge in Mechelen with a 1-3 victory. Despite moments of difficulty, especially after conceding the 1-0 goal, Anderlecht managed to go into halftime with a 1-2 lead thanks to late goals from Augustinsson and Amuzu, both from corners. After the break, goalkeeper Coosemans kept Anderlecht in the game as Mechelen pushed forward. In the final minutes, Leoni calmly sealed the 1-3 win. 

Anderlecht had a poor first half but still went into halftime leading 1-2. They struggled to create chances and allowed Mechelen to dominate early. In the 24th minute, Lauberbach scored for the home team. Anderlecht could't create much danger, but managed to score twice before the break: Augustinsson tapped in a header from Zanka in the 41st minute, and Amuzu struck a brilliant goal in stoppage time after a short corner.

After the break, Mechelen immediately regained momentum, with Coosemans making key saves early in the second half. Foket debuted for a tired Augustinsson, while Amuzu was forced off due to another injury. In the 72nd minute, substitute Angulo missed an open chance to make it 1-3, which could have avoided a tense ending for Anderlecht. Mechelen's Ngoy missed a golden opportunity in the 78th minute after a blunder of Yari Verschaeren. Verschaeren handed in the ball before an empy goal but Ngoy shot wide. Anderlecht lurked dangerously on the counter attack, but Dreyer and Stroeykens both narrowly missed chances. In stoppage time, Leoni removed all doubt, scoring Anderlecht's third after a strong assist from Vazquez.

Anderlecht secured three points in a tough away game, but coach Riemer will likely review the difficult first 40 minutes and the opening quarter-hour of the second half. The team struggled during these periods but was saved by an excellent performance from Coosemans. 

Source: © Internal source