GAMES After their elimination from Europe, Anderlecht now also go into the international break with a bitter defeat. Union won 2-0 and took an early lead from the penalty spot after a silly mistake by Degreef. Anderlecht had several good chances to score before halftime, but Union also remained dangerous. After the break, Anderlecht played too sloppily to create any real chances. Union made it 2-0 in the closing stages, but by then Anderlecht were already reduced to nine players after two yellow cards for Saliba and Angulo.
A new season... same result. Although Anderlecht did create a few good chances this time, they were once again defeated by Union. This isn't all that surprising, considering only two new players started the match.
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Continue reading The match had barely begun when Anderlecht fell behind. After hesitant interventions from Saliba and Hey, Degreef (playing as a substitute right-back) made a completely unnecessary and far too late tackle on Niang, allowing Union to score from the penalty spot to make it 1-0. Anderlecht allowed Union to take an early lead in their first half once again, making their task even more difficult. Anderlecht looked like a fish out of water in the first half hour. Union played much faster and with more commitment. The Purple & White were playing catch-up.
However, Anderlecht came more into the game in the final fifteen minutes. Their combinations flowed more smoothly, and Scherpen's long legs kept Hazard from equalizing, even though that should have been the equalizer. Union, however, remained dangerous, and Zorgane placed a great chance wide.
In the closing stages, Anderlecht came close to equalizing twice. A ball from Degreef was cleared off the line, and immediately after, Huerta's long-range shot hit the post.
After the break, play became more difficult for both sides. Union didn't need to press, and Anderlecht played too sloppily to create another chance, especially in the counter-attack zone and during counter-attacks. Vergoote waved cards at Anderlecht, but also forgot to hand out a few to Union.
In the final stages of the match, Anderlecht gave the champions a significant push towards victory. Both Saliba and Angulo were sent off within two minutes, each receiving a second yellow card. In the closing stages, David made it 2-0. Kana missed his interception, and the Canadian calmly scored one-on-one with Coosemans.
Despite some good chances before halftime, Anderlecht still has a long way to go if they want to achieve anything this season. Union sold several key players and played today with several players who were mostly on the bench in previous seasons. We're curious to see what the transfer window will bring and whether an attempt will be made to strengthen the squad. The loss of Dolberg could have catastrophic consequences for the rest of the season.
Score: 2-0 Goal(s): 1-0 Raul (pen) 4', 2-0 David 90'+1
