GAMES Anderlecht edged past La Louvière 2-1 at the death. Bertaccini struck in stoppage time to send the purple and white to victory after they had fallen behind early in the second half. Nga Kana levelled the score against 10 men, but it took until the very last moment for the Lotto Park to truly erupt. It was a deserved, but extremely hard-fought win for Anderlecht.
The first half of the new season will not go down in the history books. Anderlecht played with enthusiasm and had plenty of possession, but made far too little of it. At times their passing was sloppy, and they lacked that little bit of class in front of goal. Cvetkovic had the best chance after a pass from Ambros, but the Serbian striker mishit his volley.
Continue reading below the article
Continue reading Nga Kana also could have scored, but rolled the ball to Peano. There were further efforts from Augustinsson and Saliba. La Louvière relied on its physical strength, but could not release its quick attackers. It did still carve out a chance through Isah, though he fired wide. The second half would bring the game to life. Isah did find the net after the break, in the 52nd minute. Anderlecht had started the second half rather flatly, and with a bit of luck Isah found himself in a favourable position to score. Five minutes later, La Louvière handed Anderlecht a lifeline when Ito was sent off for a second yellow card.
Anderlecht therefore had to push forward, and in the 67th minute the right opening was finally found. Maamar won the ball and set up Nga Kana, who kept his cool and finished. Maamar tried his luck twice shortly after, but scoring is still not his strongest quality. Even against 10 men, though, it remained hard work for Anderlecht to create chances. Cvetkovic headed centrally on goal in the 81st minute, although by then it was starting to resemble a handball match more than a football game.
Sikan threatened a few times from distance, while La Louvière also managed to appear in front of Coosemans again. Faye headed wide from a free kick. In the end, Anderlecht escaped dropping points at the last minute when Bertaccini turned in from close range after Biancone headed the ball back across goal. Anderlecht has had a bit of fortune in the opening phase of the season, though they kept believing today as well. But this Anderlecht still needs extra attacking reinforcements, because this season they will play plenty of league matches against well-organised, physically strong sides.
