GAMES Anderlecht couldn't manage more than a 0-0 draw against Union, and they should consider themselves lucky. The team played a very weak match, especially in the first half, where they were outclassed by Union, who had several chances. The biggest opportunity, a penalty, was wasted by Rodriguez. After halftime, Union couldn't maintain their level, although they remained the more dangerous side, with Terho hitting the crossbar. Anderlecht, that struggled to create any chances, saw Ashimeru come close to scoring late in the game.
In the first 35 minutes, Anderlecht was completely overwhelmed by Union, who, despite missing key players and being weakened defensively, dominated in all aspects of the game. Union was motivated, faster, always found the free man, and won most of the duels. Fortunately for Anderlecht, Union failed to capitalize on their chances. A sluggish and disinterested Anderlecht watched helplessly. Union had opportunities through Ait El Hadj and Rodriguez, with the latter missing a weak penalty that Coosemans easily saved.
Stroeykens had a chance for Anderlecht after 20 minutes, but it wasn't until the final stages of the first half that they managed to keep Union away from their goal for a longer period. Dolberg had a chance, but Union remained dangerous. Stroeykens had to make a last-minute tackle on the speedy Fuseini.
After the break, Union couldn't maintain the same tempo, though this didn't mean Anderlecht improved, as Union remained the more threatening team. Anderlecht narrowly escaped again when Terho hit the crossbar in the 68th minute. Anderlecht finally showed some life in the final stages, with Ashimeru, shortly after coming on, narrowly missing the far post in the 78th minute. In the dying moments, Vazquez had a header on goal, but both teams seemed out of energy by the end.
