Zulte Waregem – Anderlecht. The words themselves hadn’t signaled a positive result for the Brussels club in some time. But on Thursday, February 22, 2026, at the Regenboogstadion in Waregem, Belgium, Thorgan Hazard authored a performance that will be remembered as a turning point, scoring a hat trick to propel Anderlecht to a 4-2 victory – their first Jupiler Pro League win in over two months.
The win, a much-needed boost for Anderlecht, came after a difficult stretch that saw them struggle to find the back of the net consistently. Hazard’s three goals, punctuated by a strike from Ilay Camara and a late goal from Marley Aké, finally broke that spell against a spirited Zulte Waregem side. The match, a key fixture in the Jupiler Pro League’s 26th matchday, offered a compelling narrative of resurgence for Anderlecht and a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in a competitive Belgian top flight.
Hazard Strikes Early and Often
Anderlecht didn’t waste time establishing their intent. Hazard opened the scoring in the 39th minute, converting a penalty kick to deliver his side a 1-0 lead. Just two minutes later, in the 41st minute, Hazard doubled the advantage with a well-placed shot, showcasing his attacking prowess. The momentum continued to build as Ilay Camara added a third goal in the 43rd minute, leaving Zulte Waregem reeling before halftime.
While Zulte Waregem demonstrated resilience after the break, Anosike Ementa’s goal in the 53rd minute offered a glimmer of hope for the home side. However, Anderlecht’s attack, spearheaded by Hazard, proved too potent to contain. The Belgian international completed his hat trick in the 85th minute, effectively sealing the victory for Anderlecht and bringing the score to 4-1.
A late consolation goal from Marley Aké in added time (90+1 minute) brought the final score to 4-2, but the result was already firmly in Anderlecht’s grasp. The victory marked a significant moment for Hazard, who delivered a performance of individual brilliance and leadership.
A Tactical Shift and a Much-Needed Result
The match wasn’t without its moments of tension. Both sides engaged in a physical battle, with several yellow cards issued throughout the contest – Nathan-Dylan Saliba and Emran Soglo both receiving cautions. Substitutions were made by both managers as they sought to influence the game’s outcome, with Anderlecht bringing on Killian Sardella for Camara and Enric Llansana for Hazard late in the second half.
For Anderlecht, the win represents more than just three points. It’s a psychological boost after a frustrating run of form. The team had been struggling to convert chances and lacked a consistent goal-scoring threat. Hazard’s performance addresses that issue, at least for now, and provides a platform for future success. The three goals in quick succession before halftime were particularly crucial, effectively dismantling Zulte Waregem’s game plan and giving Anderlecht a comfortable cushion.
Zulte Waregem’s Fight, But Ultimately Unrewarded
Despite the defeat, Zulte Waregem showed flashes of quality and determination. They created several scoring opportunities, but were ultimately unable to capitalize on them. The team’s spirited effort, however, earned praise from observers, highlighting their potential despite the setback. The home side’s inability to convert their chances proved costly, allowing Anderlecht to capitalize on their opportunities and secure the win.
The match also highlighted the importance of clinical finishing in professional football. While Zulte Waregem demonstrated attacking intent, their lack of precision in front of goal ultimately proved to be their downfall. Anderlecht, were ruthless in their finishing, with Hazard leading the charge.
What’s Next for Anderlecht?
Anderlecht will seem to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next Jupiler Pro League fixture. The win provides a much-needed confidence boost and a foundation for a potential climb up the league table. The team will need to maintain their attacking form and tighten their defense to consistently challenge for top honors. The performance of Thorgan Hazard will be key to their success, and the club will be hoping he can continue to deliver match-winning performances.
The victory over Zulte Waregem marks a significant step forward for Anderlecht, signaling a potential turning point in their season. With Hazard leading the charge, the Brussels club will be aiming to secure more positive results and climb the Jupiler Pro League standings. The road ahead will be challenging, but the win provides a renewed sense of optimism and belief within the team.
Anderlecht’s next challenge awaits as they continue their pursuit of a strong finish in the Jupiler Pro League. Fans will be eager to spot if this victory marks the beginning of a sustained period of success for the club.
