Written-off striker strikes back: “He deserved this goal”
TUESDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2026, 09:26 - lajoya
GAMES Adriano Bertaccini has had a rough time at Anderlecht over the past few months. The forward seemed to have completely fallen out of favor, but on Saturday against Cercle Brugge, he once again proved his worth. With a well-placed header in the closing minutes, he secured the victory for the Purple & White and put his personal story in a new light.
A year ago, Bertaccini was still a promising signing. At the time, Anderlecht paid nearly five million euros to bring him over from STVV. Since then, his situation had completely changed. During preseason, Bruno made it clear that he did not view the forward as a traditional striker. Bertaccini also saw little playing time in other positions.
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Continue reading Competition was fierce, and young players seemed to be overtaking him. As a result, he found himself increasingly sidelined. His limited playing time caused frustration, and after a European match in which he barely saw any action, he let his emotions get the better of him in front of the fans.
A move away seemed like the logical solution. There was interest from Turkey, Switzerland, and Germany, but a transfer never materialized. Anderlecht's financial terms proved to be a stumbling block for several interested clubs. Moreover, Bertaccini had just become a father to his daughter Diana and wasn't immediately keen on a move abroad.
The striker ultimately stayed in Brussels, switched agencies, and decided to prove himself on the training field.
Support from team mates
Despite his difficult situation, Bertaccini remained a positive presence in the locker room, according to his teammates. Oliver Antman describes him as a funny guy who, even with his French sense of humor, helps create a good atmosphere. Marten Winkler also emphasizes that the forward contributes to the team's chemistry despite the language barrier.
Winkler also noticed how Bertaccini kept pushing forward. “His shooting technique is still among the best in practice. He fights for the team and absolutely deserved this goal,” he said.
Antman also emphasized how important it is to remain patient. According to the coach's message, even players who aren't on the roster must continue to believe in their chances. Bertaccini is living proof of that.
Golden Sub for Bruno
The late goal against Cercle was not a one-off success. Earlier, Bertaccini had also saved Anderlecht from dropping points against La Louvière. Once again, he proved that he can play a key role as a substitute when the game threatens to stall.
Bruno was therefore particularly pleased with the contribution of his substitutes. “Sometimes the man of the match is someone who plays for only thirty seconds,” the coach explained after the game.
For Bertaccini, the victory means more than just three points. The forward, who had long been largely sidelined, has once again shown that he can be a valuable asset to Anderlecht. While his future isn't immediately guaranteed, one thing is certain: in Bruges, he has put his name back on the map.
