2-2 draw against Union

RSC Anderlecht faced Union Saint-Gilloise on Sunday evening for the 23rd matchday of the Jupiler Pro League. Compared to the cup game, Ludwig Augustinsson (muscle injury), Thorgan Hazard and Mohamed Bouchouari were replaced by Kristian Arnstad, Mario Stroeykens and Louis Patris (recovered from his injury against OHL). After an early 0-2 lead for Union, Anderlecht still managed to salvage a draw. Goals by Jan Vertonghen in the first half and Thorgan Hazard in injury time in the second half ensured the draw.

Anderlecht had a poor start to the game when Gustav Nilsson managed to score immediately. Our captain Jan Vertonghen deflected Mohamed Amoura's cross and the goal was quickly into the back of the net. The visitors applied constant pressure, making it difficult for our team to get into their game. Mohamed Amoura doubled the lead a little later, with Jan Vertonghen missing his interception. Sporting had to respond. An excellent cross from Anders Dreyer found Jan Vertonghen, an unstoppable header into the top corner put the 1-2 on the scoreboard. Union continued to threaten through Mohamed Amoura (whose two attempts were turned into corner kicks) and Gustav Nilsson (whose header went wide of goal).

The start of the second half was much more balanced than the first. Obvious chances were scarce, though. Only Kevin Rodriguez forced Kasper Schmeichel into a fairly easy save. Kasper Dolberg and Théo Leoni were replaced by Thorgan Hazard and Luis Vazquez. The Argentine striker's header should have been the equaliser, but the ball did not find the back of the net. Ten minutes before time, Kasper Schmeichel saved really well on attempts by Gustav Nilsson and Ross Sykes. Thorgan Hazard finally provided a sigh of relief at Lotto Park, scoring on the rebound. His first for Sporting. Two games are scheduled for Sporting next week: Thursday away against Mechelen and Sunday at home against Gent.