Disappointing Anderlecht throws away 12 out of 12 in the 96th minute after N’Diaye’s own goal

UEFA Europa League – matchday 4 – 07/11/24 – 21:01

What an anticlimax. Anderlecht seemed to be on its way to a flattering 12 out of 12 in the Europa League, but was forced to swallow a bitter Latvian equalizer in the 96th minute. Mario Stroeykens had broken the lock with a gem in the final phase, and a very strong Colin Coosemans was knocked out by teammate Moussa N’Diaye just before the whistle.

RFS – RSC Anderlecht in a nutshell:

1. Key moment

   Everyone already assumes that the Purple & White will return from Latvia with an economical victory. Until RFS comes up one more time in minute 96. The ball first bounces against the post, then N’Diaye outwits his own goalkeeper.

2. Man of the Match

   Mario Stroeykens proved once again when he came on as a substitute that he has magical feet. Under his impulse, the Purple & White went looking for the 0-1, eventually breaking the spell with a pearl.

3. Remarkable

   After 4 games, Anderlecht has lost its perfect report in the Europa League. Lazio is enjoying, the Romans are now the lone leader.

Fast forward to minute 85. After a dull match, Anderlecht finally gets the lock off the door.

Substitute Mario Stroeykens spins away from his attacker excellently and nails the ball wonderfully in the farthest intersection. Job done, pack up and go.

Or so the people of Brussels thought. Because you are apparently never done with Latvians. Deep into extra time – read: minute 90+6′ – a painful uppercut would be delivered.

Colin Coosemans was able to push his first swipe against his post, but the action was not over. An RFS attacker picked up the ball and crossed low. In an unfortunate reflex, Moussa N’Diaye threw himself at the ball.

What followed was pure disbelief in the eyes of the Purple & White. How did we still hand this over?

But to be fair, Anderlecht were far too weak tonight to really claim a three-pointer. Stroeykens’ touch of magic actually provided a flattering bonus.

Early in the game, the Purple & White had already gotten away well when an RFS goal was disallowed for offside. Then Anderlecht reacted quickly by pushing back, but that party also did not take place. Kasper Dolberg had pounded his defender to the ground.

After that, “inspirationless” was the key word. And Coosemans also deserved several pats on the back. He kept the Latvians from 1-0 with 2 beautiful parades – shortly before and shortly after half-time.

It should therefore not be surprising that Anderlecht has lost its perfect record in Europe after tonight. Although it is very sad to experience that against a low-flyer like RFS. Will it work again against Porto?

“It is a huge disappointment,” Mats Rits was honest after the match. “The general picture of the match is that we have control for 95 minutes.”

The goal was a hard hit. “They are playing the power play and there is a fight. We may be a little too late with the cross. Colin saves well and then the ball goes into his own goal. It was not a well-thought-out attack: just club, bounce and in.”

“It’s a shame we didn’t get 12 out of 12, because we deserved the 3 points. The balance is still very positive, but such a shitty goal is extremely frustrating.”

A feeling that Stroeykens could agree with. “Such a shame that we lost 2 points at the end. It is a disappointment, but you cannot forget the positive – especially of the 2nd half.”

“I always try to show myself and be dangerous. I have a different role, higher on the field. I have to bring more football to the team and that suits me well.”

“The match seemed under control. I didn’t have the feeling that they would do anything anymore, because they seemed tired and we had more chances. In the last minute the ball still ended up in their feet.”