This Sunday afternoon, RSC Anderlecht welcomed Royal Antwerp FC to the Lotto Park for the second matchday of the Jupiler Pro League. Compared to last weekend, Majeed Ashimeru (injured), Kristian Arnstad, and Louis Patris were replaced in the starting eleven by Mario Stroeykens, Théo Leoni, and Killian Sardella. The Purple and Whites secured the three points thanks to Kasper Dolberg's first goal (from a penalty) and, most importantly, a solid collective performance.
The first half was balanced with intense duels, but clear-cut opportunities were rather scarce. The best chance fell to the home team when Moussa N'Diaye met Anders Dryer's free-kick with a header, but his attempt hit the goalkeeper Jean Butez, and the Senegalese forward was eventually ruled offside. Nonetheless, the Purple and Whites headed into halftime with a one-goal advantage. In stoppage time of the first half, Toby Alderweireld fouled Moussa N'Diaye inside the penalty area, referee Jasper Vergoote pointed to the spot without hesitation. After a lengthy VAR review, Kasper Dolberg calmly converted his very first official goal in the RSCA shirt. 1-0, the score at the break.
The start of the second half was lively, and Antwerp showed more initiative, but it was still Anderlecht who came close to doubling their lead when Anders Dreyer's shot from twenty meters hit the post. At the hour mark, Mario Stroeykens made way for Justin Lonwijk, making his debut in our colors. The visitors came close to equalizing during a scramble inside our penalty area, but Killian Sardella made a magnificent intervention to block Vincent Janssen's attempt. Coach Brian Riemer made several changes that allowed his team to withstand the late surge from the visitors. RSCA thus deservedly secured their first three points of the season.
RSC Anderlecht |
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Royal Antwerp FC |
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