Anderlecht’s European ambitions have not been hit after the first leg in the last preliminary round of the Conference League. What’s more, the Purple & White did a business by winning the first leg against Young Boys Bern 0-1. RSCA was efficient, the Swiss missed a few chances.
Young Boys Bern – Anderlecht in a nutshell:
- Key moment: Anderlecht survived a double stampede. Van Crombrugge was the savior in the first half, the goal wood in the second half.
- Man of the match: Mario Stroeykens was only told before kick-off that he was in the starting lineup, because Refaelov had injured himself during the warm-up. The 17-year-old played a creditable game.
- Remarkable: It has been since 2018-2019 that Anderlecht once again played a European group stage. They must not let this opportunity slip away.
Anderlecht are gasping for breath in the initial phase
Offensive backs, a diamond in midfield and a lot of pressure forward. Felice Mazzu had analyzed Young Boys Bern down to the last detail, but his summary PowerPoint presentation didn’t really stick.
Anderlecht was flooded in the initial phase and especially Hendrik Van Crombrugge had to lay sandbags. Itten first headed wide, Rieder and Elia forced the Anderlecht goalkeeper to a double save.
In the meantime it really started to rain in Bern, but for Anderlecht it cleared up after a difficult opening quarter.
The Purple & White balanced the match: Mario Stroeykens, who took the place of the injured Refaelov just before kick-off, played creditably, Verschaeren aimed the best opportunity wide.
Efficient Anderlecht survive second storm
Anderlecht also kept control after the break, without forcing any great chances. But apparently the visitors only needed one chance (in three times). Hoedt and Fabio Silva’s shots were blocked, Delcroix was able to finish.
Anderlecht’s opening goal was the harbinger of a second Swiss storm. Camara pulled out with a phenomenal streak, licking the intersection. Rieder immediately hit the deck slatted.
Anderlecht were able to blow away the dark clouds again, but a late thunderclap was not excluded. Lightning nearly struck the Young Boys, but Esposito forgot to strike. The substitute forgot to send Anderlecht to the Lotto Park with a double lead.
