Cup football at its best. Just like the day before at Club Brugge – Genk, the other first leg of the semi-final did not disappoint in the least. In terms of goals it could certainly have been a bit more, but otherwise Anderlecht-Antwerp had everything you would expect from a cup match with the necessary fight and goal chances.
The tone was immediately set, because after just three minutes the puppets started dancing. After a good interception in the box, Anderlecht defender Simic wanted to play the alpha male opposite Janssen, but the Dutchman only moderately appreciated that, after which it started pushing and pulling. This resulted in debutant Adryelson, who was immediately dropped into the starting line-up with barely one training session, and received his first yellow card in our country after 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
Strong Anderlecht
The other newcomer Huerta was on the bench for the purple and white for the first time. In the absence of Dolberg – the Dane was out with a foot injury – Anderlecht coach David Hubert opted for Luiz Vazquez, but especially for Verschaeren, Edozie and Degreef. It was a choice that turned out well, because the trio played football freely and always found the free man in transition.
Edozie in particular, who replaced the unfortunate Amuzu, showed himself to be active in the opening phase. Lammens was only able to barely prevent him from scoring with a foot reflex and the help of the post. Anderlecht also hit the post a second time later via Degreef. The youngster turned well away from Odoi, after which Alderweireld deviated his cross against the frame.
The Purple & White deserved the lead, but were almost defeated. Fortunately, Coosemans was once again playing top-level goalkeeping. With a somewhat unorthodox save on Janssen’s header, he saved Anderlecht from falling behind.
It would turn out to be an important save, because just under two minutes later Anderlecht got what it deserved. Maamar intercepted well, after which Edozie could start a long run. The Englishman seemed to be able to score himself, but kept an overview and offered Degreef the 1-0. Degreef previously scored against Porto and now also did so against Antwerp. He knows how to choose his moments.
Antwerp offered little in return in terms of football. Strangely enough, the Great Old had plenty of opportunities to score at least once. However, Coosemans once again turned out to be the purple-white hero. First he knocked Janssen’s clever header out of his goal, after which he made an excellent effort to prevent the same Janssen from scoring.
The second half is a little less elaborate than the first. Anderlecht saw Edozie drop out injured and Dennis Praet was allowed to take action in his old home, but the battle and tough duels took over just a little too often. What is striking: goalscorer Degreef led the way in the battle.
Although he actually profiled himself as the man of the match in every respect. He almost signed for the 2-0 with his head, but once again the goal frame was wrong.
Meanwhile, Antwerp no longer had any opportunities on the other side. Anderlecht’s block was in good shape and Antwerp’s ideas were lacking.
It was no longer possible to score, so RSCA went to the Bosuil on February 6 with a small bonus. Although people in Lotto Park will be very pleased that they have recovered after the debacle against Club Brugge. And Antwerp? That still has the prospect of a third consecutive cup final.
Goal: 30’ Degreef 1-0
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