GAMES Anderlecht continues its fine run in Europe. It won tonight's very tricky transfer to Slavia Prague by 1-2. With 14 out of 18, Anderlecht remains at the top of the standings.
Anderlecht missed a lot of injured players tonight and coach Hubert also gave some guys a rest. As a result, Leoni, Vazquez and Angulo started. Hubert also opted for a five-man defense with Dendoncker in the center. Not an illogical choice, as Slavia is a solid team and has a type-Köller running around in the center forward with Chory.
Continue reading below the article
Continue reading The initial phase was for Slavia, but the first breakaway on the other side was an immediate hit. Good interference by Leoni led to Czech ball loss and Angulo took the gift in a controlled way: 0-1. A dream start for Anderlecht. It got even better when on the half hour Verschaeren found the way to goal again during a second break: 0-2. Anderlecht was in a comfortable position.
A seat that gave a comfortable feeling, but in which they had to work hard. Supported by an ardent crowd, Slavia put Anderlecht under pressure. It produced corner kicks, but hardly any really big, exploited chances. The second half did start with a few Czech chances. However, the deserved home goal fell after a corner kick. Chory trumped Vazquez among others at the far post and headed in at the far corner.
With half an hour to go, it promised to be tough, but the game remained the same. Pressure from Slavia Prague, Anderlecht running, fighting and playing cleverly at the right moments. With Amuzu and Dolberg it also tried to hurt Slavia. In added time, an attentive Coosemans prevented the equalizer by boxing the ball away just in time.
It took gallons of sweat and another injured player, but Anderlecht recorded its fourth win in six games in the Europa League. The top eight is now getting very close.
