GAMES Anderlecht swept Zulte Waregem aside with a 3-0 win. It produced, for the time being, its best league performance of the season, with Bentayeb and Winkler the standout performers. After the break, Anderlecht quickly turned its deserved 1-0 lead into a 3-0 advantage and won in convincing fashion. Zulte Waregem created the first danger, but Claes mishit his shot.
Anderlecht then took control of the match and dominated the first half. As in recent weeks, though, it was difficult to create regular threat. Still, the two big chances Anderlecht did get could easily have yielded goals. Augustinsson and Sikan, who was also firmly pushed in the back, were unable to make the most of their header opportunities. In the 39th minute, however, the breakthrough came. Ambros was able to carry the ball forward after a free kick, and his shot was spilled by Bostyn. Bentayeb was lurking and converted to make it 1-0, a deserved lead.
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Continue reading In the closing stages of the first half, Anderlecht were warned when Omobamidele managed to turn a chance for Claes behind for a corner. A sign that they should go looking for a bigger lead after the break. Purple-and-white took that message on board immediately after the interval. Bentayeb nodded the ball on and Winkler promptly made it 2-0 in the 49th minute with a fine goal from the German. Bentayeb, though, was knocked out after making the assist in a collision with Lemoine and was replaced shortly afterwards by Cvetkovic. With his final action before going off, Bentayeb had already sent Winkler through. The German first tried to beat Gabriël, but was able to finish at the second attempt to score his second of the evening. Oddly enough, it took the VAR no fewer than six minutes to validate the goal, even though it was clearly legitimate. Anderlecht were now playing with confidence and were regularly able to create danger, including through Ambros.
In the final quarter of an hour, Anderlecht lost some control, allowing Zulte Waregem to threaten seriously twice. Mbaye fired wide in front of goal and Coosemans kept Kiilerich from making it 3-1. Anderlecht were still dangerous too, with Antman finding Cvetkovic, but the striker hesitated too long. In stoppage time, Pétrot just managed to correct his own mistake, meaning Anderlecht have now kept four clean sheets in a row in the league. It means a win for Anderlecht before the long international break, an important victory to keep the top four in sight. After the break, purple-and-white visit Cercle Brugge.
