On Thursday evening, RSC Anderlecht hosted Antwerp FC at Lotto Park for the first leg of the Belgian Cup semi-final. The match marked the first start for Brazilian central defender Adryelson and also the debut (and first minutes) for Japanese forward Keisuke Goto, who replaced the injured Kasper Dolberg in the squad. Anderlecht secured a well-deserved 1-0 victory thanks to a goal by Tristan Degreef. A narrow but important advantage ahead of the return leg at the Bosuil on February 6.
The opening phase was intense, with the first big chances falling to Anderlecht. A shot by Samuel Edozie was deflected onto the post by goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Moments later, the Englishman nearly assisted Tristan Degreef, but his effort was also deflected onto the post by Toby Alderweireld. Around the half-hour mark, the visitors responded through Vincent Janssen, whose shot was saved by a fine reflex from Colin Coosemans. Shortly afterward, Anderlecht found the breakthrough. Following an excellent move by Samuel Edozie, Tristan Degreef placed the ball unstoppably into the far corner: 1-0. Just before halftime, Coosemans once again denied Janssen a goal with a sharp save.
The second half began with a setback for Anderlecht as coach Hubert saw Samuel Edozie leave the field injured. He was replaced by Thorgan Hazard. While the match remained engaging, clear chances were few and far between on both sides. After an hour of play, Adryelson, Anderlecht’s new Brazilian defender, was substituted by Moussa N’Diaye. Shortly afterward, Lotto Park came alive again as Tristan Degreef’s header struck the post—marking the third time Anderlecht had rattled Antwerp’s goal frame. Five minutes before the end, Keisuke Goto was given his debut, replacing Luis Vazquez. With this narrow 1-0 win, both teams still have everything to play for in the return leg. The decider awaits in Antwerp in three weeks.
RSC Anderlecht |
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