2-2 draw at Mechelen

Anderlecht got off to a strong start and had the first clear-cut chance. Theo Leoni's cross-shot was deflected by defender Elias Cobbaut and Kasper Dolberg deflected on target, but Gaëtan Coucke did well to save. From the next corner kick, Thorgan Hazard opened the score with a low drive. On the quarter-hour mark, a fine move by Louis Patris and Kasper Dolberg put Theo Leoni in a good position, but the midfielder's effort was blocked at the last minute. The home side hit back with a shot from Geoffry Hairemans, which gave Kasper Schmeichel little trouble. As the half-hour approached, Mario Stroeykens' curling shot went narrowly wide and Antonio Bill's close-range effort was blocked by the steady hand of Kasper Schmeichel. Just before the break, Thorgan Hazard's cross-shot flew just wide of the goal. 0-1, a logical scoreline at half-time.

Very quickly in the second half, Antonio Bill outpaced Louis Patris and found the net from a tight angle to make it 1-1. Malinois kept up the pressure and, on the hour mark, Kasper Schmeichel had to pull out saves on efforts by Patrick Pflücke and Geoffry Hairemans. The visitors hit back through Kasper Dolberg, but his effort was too weak to score. Theo Leoni and Kasper Dolberg were then replaced by Yari Verschaeren and Luis Vázquez. With 15 minutes remaining, the Argentinian headed our side back in front. Kasper Schmeichel made a fine save from Elias Cobbaut's header. As the game drew to a close, the referee pointed to the penalty spot for light contact between Mario Stroeykens and Geoffry Hairemans, who converted the spot-kick himself. In stoppage time, goalkeeper Gaëtan Coucke pulled off an outstanding save to deny Thorgan Hazard from Jan Vertonghen's cross.

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