The curse has been dispelled. After a rollercoaster evening against Young Boys, Anderlecht will play a real European game after 4 years. The Purple & White nevertheless took the 0-1 before half an hour and even escaped the death blow. During extra time, both teams came close (unsuccessfully) to a winning goal, which resulted in penalties for the climax. Goalkeeper Hendrik Van Crombrugge was the great hero with three stopped penalties. The groups of the Conference League will soon be waiting.
The match in a nutshell:
- key moment: In the very last second of the extra time, Hendrik Van Crombrugge – who played his 100th game for Anderlecht – saves his team from the elimination. With an ultimate leg sweep, he saves a deviated free kick from Rieder.
- Man of the match: Anderlecht coach Felice Mazzu again called on a lot of youth to bring this match to a successful conclusion. Zeno Debast in particular made an impression. He acted very stable and was one of the few whose passing quality did not suffer from fatigue and stress.
- Remarkable: In the crucial penalty shootout, Noah Sadiki (17), Sebastiano Esposito (20) and Mario Stroeykens (17), three spring chickens kicked a penalty. Only Stroeykens was unable to score, but fortunately his miss has no consequences.
Anderlecht lose bonus from first leg
Anderlecht needed a thriller of size to qualify for a European group stage for the first time in a long time, but Mazzu’s troops managed to do it anyway.
The match started nervously, with many mistakes, but no real chances. Until after 30 minutes the Congolese Meschack Elia – who played briefly for Anderlecht in the past – suddenly cut into the penalty area. Wesley Hoedt did not react decisively enough and Elia made it 0-1.
So everything has to be redone for the inhabitants of Brussels who defended a narrow lead from the first leg. Cédric Itten – who was all alone – almost made it 0-2 via a header, but the Young Boys striker nodded incomprehensibly.
Ultimate save Van Crombrugge
On the other side, especially Lior Refaelov and Fabio Silva tried to force it. Silva was close, but Ali Camara saved his effort on the line. The tension only increased in the second half.
Both Itten and Sebastiano Esposito, who came in well, were flagged for offside. In the absolute end of regular time, Benito Raman also headed straight into goalkeeper Von Ballmoos.
The extensions seemed to come to nothing, until Raman was suddenly able to push through and hit the post. Amir Murillo couldn’t settle it either. The very last chance was for Young Boys. Van Crombrugge had a phenomenal leg sweep on Rieder’s deviated free kick.
Penalties had to decide who went to the group stage. Hoedt, Esposito and the very young Sadiki took their responsibility and smashed in without a hitch. A save by Van Crombrugge and a rash Swiss miss ensured that Stroeykens’ weak penalty was not penalized.
Anderlecht celebrated as if they had won the title. The Lotto Park in ecstasy.
