GAMES Anderlecht almost got its spot in the final qualifying round of the Conference League. They defeated Sheriff Tiraspol from Moldova 3-0. Nilson Angulo, Kasper Dolberg, and Yari Verschaeren scored the goals.
Anderlecht refused to be caught off guard and started the match strongly. The Purple & White team circulated the ball easily and found the depth well. When possession was lost, they immediately rushed the ball, which also created chances. Right-back Camara made several sharp runs, one of which led to the opening goal. His cross reached Angulo at the far post, who volleyed beautifully into the net: 1-0.
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Continue reading Five minutes later, Camara almost had his second assist of the evening, but Dolberg's effort hit the post. Shortly after, Camara was sidelined with a muscle injury. "Then I'll just spin along on my own," Angulo must have thought. The revelation of the early season first fired over the bar from just outside the penalty area. Shortly before halftime, he saw a close-range shot blocked. Sheriff offered little to no offensive response. The 1-0 lead at halftime was deserved. It could even have been a bit more.
The second half started brilliantly for Anderlecht. Llansana delivered a measured through ball to Degreef. Verschaeren saw him sprint into the penalty area and delivered a perfect pass. Instead of taking his own chance, Verschaeren handed the goal to Dolbeg on a silver platter. What a beautiful goal! After that quick 2-0, Anderlecht failed to completely kill Sheriff. The pace slowed, and no more clear-cut chances followed. Midway through the second half, Sheriff actually had a good chance, but Coosemans found Odede's feet.
Ten minutes before the final whistle, Anderlecht sealed the match. Bertaccini dribbled past the visiting goalkeeper and then passed to Verschaeren, who couldn't miss: 3-0. The return leg next week would be a mere formality.
