Anderlecht Union
Jupiler Pro League – matchday 3 – 14/04/24 – 18:33
timeiconplayerhomeTimehomeIconhomePlayerscoreawayPlayerawayIconawayTime
11′
Kasper Dolberg
11′
Kasper Dolberg
1 – 0
66′
Cameron Puertas
1 – 1
Cameron Puertas
66′
76′
Francis Have fun
76′
Francis Have fun
2 – 1
Change of power in the Jupiler Pro League. After almost 6 years, Anderlecht is once again the leader in the Belgian league, after a long-awaited victory against Union. The Purple & White took an early lead through Dolberg, but seemed to shoot themselves in the foot on the hour mark. An elbow from Debast led to the equalizer and ensured that the home team had to go ahead with 10. Yet Amuzu still provided the vital 2-1. Anderlecht finally dethroned Union, which suffered yet another uppercut in these play-offs.
Anderlecht – Union in a nutshell:
- Key moment: With fifteen minutes to play, Amuzu unexpectedly gave ten-man Anderlecht the lead again. A surge of energy that helps the team to the end and victory.
- Man of the match: Secure in defense and involved in the two goals. Sardella did it all for his team today.
- Statistic (1): Tenth time lucky. For the first time since Union is playing in the first division again, Anderlecht can beat its city rival. (1 win, 1 draw, 8 losses).
- Statistics (2). Union starts the Play-offs with 0 out of 9. After such a start, a team has never become champion in Belgium.
Fire, battle and an edge
2067 days. It had been that long since Anderlecht had been alone at the top of the league. The fact that Union, leader and city rival, stood in the way made this cracker extra special.
The intensity was there from minute one. Anderlecht in particular, spurred on by a roaring supporter base, got off to the starting blocks eagerly.
And after just 10 minutes the home team also took the lead. Sardella fired a hard shot from the second line. Moris did not process optimally, allowing Dolberg to push in.
Afterwards, the Purple & White also remained dominant, but around the half hour Union took over the initiative.
Puertas came close to the equalizer twice, but Anderlecht got away especially well with a header against Nilsson’s crossbar.
At the end of the first half, the home team, which saw Hazard drop out with a (serious?) injury moments earlier, showed itself once more.
Dolberg seemed to be able to benefit from a chaotic phase in the sixteen, but saw his shot deflected off the line by Sykes.
Read more below the photo.
Ten-man Anderlecht does it
After the break, the visitors emphatically looked for the equalizer. Schmeichel soon had to make an important save from Sadiki.
The (deserved) equalizer finally came on the hour mark. Nilsson was left lying in the box with blood on his forehead. In the replay we saw Debast throw an elbow (whether consciously or not).
Referee Lambrechts was called to the screen and did not hesitate. Penalty for Union and second yellow for Debast.
Puertas, who played a good match, did not fail and brought his team alongside again.
The Lotto Park became quiet and Riemer opted for a new game plan with some defensive reinforcements.
It promised to be another twenty grueling minutes, but then Anderlecht took the lead again out of nowhere. Sardella took advantage of a long ball from Vertonghen. His tight ball was bounced in by substitute Amuzu.
The stadium is on fire again. Ten-man Anderlecht did not relinquish the unexpected lead and thus climbed to the lead alone for the first time since August 2018.
Union has to step down after three games and will receive a visit from the in-form team and first pursuer Club Brugge next week.
Related:
Phase by phase
END: 2-1
Anderlecht beat Union and climbed to the top of the rankings. The ten of them finally do what they have been waiting for for 3 years: beat their city rivals. In Sint-Gillis they took 0 out of 9 and the title is now just as far away.
Sink or sink for Anderlecht. Union came forward with the courage of desperation. We play one more minute.
A team that started the Play-offs with 0 or 1 out of 9 has never become champion.
Peter Vandenbempt
That’s how Schmeichel likes to see them come. The Dane picks easily and lays on the ball. The fans would love to see it happen.
Another corner for Union!
6 – extra time
An extra 6 minutes will be added.
Union scores another corner, but Schmeichel saves it. We play six minutes extra.
We are approaching the end of regular playing time. The tension rises. Union is gradually starting to play all-or-nothing football. Anderlecht is holding up reasonably well for the time being.
Terho, who just didn’t perform too well, was almost able to correct his mistake. The winger slides a long cross into the hands of Schmeichel.
This is an atmosphere in which Anderlecht’s ten players can still walk for a while.
Peter Vandenbempt
From funeral atmosphere to colorful evening. The supporters are making themselves heard again in the Lotto Park. Can Union turn its back again?
2024-04-14 21:47:56
#Turning #point #title #fight #Tenman #Anderlecht #dethrone #Union #Amuzus #goal
