Strong second half sends Anderlecht through to the next round
FRIDAY, 31 JULY 2026, 09:30 - lajoya
GAMES Anderlecht have secured their place in the third qualifying round of the Europa League at the expense of Hammarby. The Purple and White beat the Swedes 3-1 after the first leg had ended 1-1. Before the break, Hammarby had the game under control, but immediately after half-time the match turned. The game began disastrously for Anderlecht.
After a slick move through the middle, Lind was able to go for goal from the edge of the box. His shot came back off the post, but Abraham had followed up well and tapped in the 0-1 past Coosemans. The Anderlecht defence was clearly still asleep; Abraham was given far too much freedom. As the first half wore on, Hammarby controlled proceedings, while Anderlecht also had plenty of the ball. The Swedes, however, often forced the Purple and White into long balls. Anderlecht failed to string together any clear chances, although the Anderlecht defence was never really in trouble either. They came close from a free kick, though. Onia Seke floated the ball onto Biancone's head, and he saw his effort come back off the post.
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Continue reading The 0-1 lead at the break was a fair reflection of the game. Coach Bruno sent on Ndiaye and Cvetkovic after the interval, and the change paid off. After just three minutes, Cvetkovic laid the ball off to Ndiaye. His cross found Maamar, who squared it to Sikan and the Ukrainian levelled it: 1-1. After the equaliser, Anderlecht smelled blood. Cvetkovic, Onia Seke, Llansana and Maamar all had chances.
As the second half progressed, Hammarby were forced deeper and deeper. Anderlecht were rewarded for their efforts in the 81st minute. Maamar sent Ambros through on goal. The Czech shook off several defenders and fired at goal. Keeper Hahn could only parry the ball poorly, and Cvetkovic pounced to make it 2-1. In the closing minutes, substitute Degreef capitalised on defensive confusion to make it 3-1.
