For its second Europa League match, Anderlecht went for a very good victory on the pitch of Real Sociedad (1-2). Quickly led by the score, the Mauves took advantage of goals from Vazquez and Leoni for this.
Still looking for confidence, Anderlecht traveled to Real Sociedad this Thursday for the 2nd day of the Europa League league phase. On paper, it was the Mauves’ most perilous trip of the entire campaign but the Basque club’s 14th place in La Liga suggested that a defeat was entirely avoidable. For this, and three days before the Clasico, David Hubert made a bit of a spin by notably establishing the young Degreef19 years old, and Vazquez.
Unfortunately, the purple defense did everything wrong, and way too quickly. As she attempted to build from behind, she saw Loop losing the ball in a very dangerous position. Sadiq then sent a perfect cross towards Marin who crucified Coosemans (5e).
A little stunned, the Anderlecht residents took a while before showing themselves to be truly dangerous. If Stroeykens (11th and 21st) showed himself a little, Vazquez found himself in an ideal position after a slightly confusing phase to cross his shot and equalize (28th). Ten minutes later, the Brussels club even went ahead after a heavy instant strike from Leoni at the entrance to the area which left the opposing goalkeeper no chance (39th).
Just before the break, on a new situation poorly managed by the purple defense, Oskarsson found the crossbar with a pure strike that left Coosemans on the spot. To everyone’s surprise, Anderlecht were ahead at the break.
Returning from the locker room, Real Sociedad returned with better intentions and three new players including Kubo. Much more insistent, the Spaniards chained together opportunities which were not clear and did not really put Coosemans in difficulty. Opposite, the people of Brussels were no longer able to appear dangerous for a good while. In the last quarter of an hour, Vazquez still came close to hitting the nail on the head with a good cross. Dolberg (81st) before Kubo made the whole stadium shake (83rd).
Already winners last week against Ferencvaros, Anderlecht created a sensation this Thursday and pocketed three additional points. Thanks to this victory, the Mauves already have six points and can, more than ever, believe in qualification for the rest of the competition.
