Anderlecht continues to struggle: striker lacking confidence, creativi
TUESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2025, 12:55 - lajoya
OTHER Marc Coucke had a rather gloomy evening at Lotto Park. Anderlecht once again ended up with a draw against Antwerp, picking up only two points from their last nine games. Despite having plenty of possession, the Brussels team lacked the ideas and creativity to win the game on their home turf.
Coach Besnik Hasi saw how Antwerp focused on organization and counterattacking from the start. “Their intentions were clear from the first minute,” said the coach. “But we had everything under control.” Nevertheless, the best chances in the final phase were for the visitors: Janssen shot over, Somers hit the post. Anderlecht offered very little in response.
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Continue reading Vázquez continues to struggle Up front, Luis Vázquez had his chance, but again without success. The Argentine worked hard, but failed to capitalize on a great opportunity shortly after the break. “That has to be a hundred percent bingo,” sighed Hasi. “In the zone of truth, we were simply too sloppy.” In the end, young Mihajlo Cvetkovic made his debut, although the coach immediately tempered expectations: “He is still young; we cannot expect him to decide such games right away.”
Hazard drops out An additional setback for Anderlecht was the withdrawal of Thorgan Hazard during the warm-up. He was again experiencing discomfort in his back and hamstrings. “Thorgan is someone who can make a difference, but we didn't want to take any risks,” explained Hasi. Mario Stroeykens replaced him, but was unable to make much of an impression due to a lack of rhythm.
The analysis was clear: Anderlecht had possession, but did too little with it. César Huerta ran a lot but produced little return, Nilson Angulo failed to justify his contract extension, and the attacking patterns were too predictable. The crowd had to make do with a few half-chances and... a stray cat that provided most of the spectacle.
A month without a win The figures are sobering: Anderlecht has only picked up two points in its last three league games and last won in mid-August against Dender. The last home win dates back to the end of July, against Westerlo. While Club Brugge and Union are causing a stir in Europe, the Purple & White remain stuck in mediocrity.
Tonight, AA Gent awaits at the Astridpark, followed by a trip to OH Leuven on Friday. Two games that will determine whether Anderlecht can break the downward spiral.
