GAMES Anderlecht secured an important 2-1 victory against STVV. The match only really got going after the break when Anderlecht loanee Goto put STVV ahead from the penalty spot thanks to a controversial penalty. Anderlecht struggled, but turned the deficit into a lead in a matter of minutes. Saliba headed in the equalizer in the 68th minute, and then Angulo extended Cvetkovic's header into the goal at the far post.
Anderlecht struggled in the first 45 minutes. They started sharply, but STVV recovered and showed more enthusiasm in the duels as the half progressed. Camara had to leave the field after 15 minutes with a hamstring injury.
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Continue reading Anderlecht was slightly more threatening through Angulo and a shot from Stroeykens, but they played too slowly, too sloppily, and with too little movement to really create any big chances. STVV rarely came out, but they did get one good chance through Muja, who deflected a cross over the goal.
Five minutes after the break, STVV took the lead out of nowhere with a penalty from loan player Goto. It was a very controversial penalty because Hazard seemed to touch the ball with his chest first and only then possibly with his hand.
Anderlecht was unable to respond immediately after falling behind, but managed to equalize in the 68th minute when Saliba headed in a free kick from Hazard. The Canadian's goal gave Anderlecht new courage, because two minutes later Angulo extended a header from Cvetkovic on a corner into the goal, putting the purple and white ahead of STVV in no time. This time, the VAR rightly decided in Anderlecht's favor, because Angulo was just onside. Not much later, Cvetkovic should have made it 3-1 when he pushed through.
STVV tried to press, but it was Anderlecht who forced another chance ten minutes after the 2-1. Degreef and Cvetkovic really failed to extend the score. All in all, Anderlecht held on easily and, thanks in part to the double phase with the VAR, nine minutes of extra time were added. During that time, Cvetkovic had another chance, but his shot was deflected by a Truiense defender at the last moment.
Anderlecht did not play a great game, but it certainly deserves praise for its commitment and perseverance. After the 0-1, the Purple & White remained unresponsive for a long time, but they remained patient and were ultimately able to decide the game on two set pieces that were well set up by Hazard. The substitutes, especially Cvetkovic and Degreef, also made a great impact in this game. Maamar also played a very solid game after his early substitution.
