The title race becomes even more exciting: Anderlecht cannot get further than a draw against Cercle and sees Club Brugge come next to them

The Purple & White had emerged weak from the midweek meeting with the Association: Schmeichel and Dreyer watched brotherly from the stands next to each other. Coosemans got his first starting spot and Vazquez also started. Dolberg moved to the right flank. Cercle, on the other hand, was strengthened compared to Wednesday. Somers was healthy again and both Daland and Popovic returned from suspension.

Calm Stroeykens

Yet it did not take long before Anderlecht took the lead. Sardella found the very lone Vazquez with a good ball, which bounced off Warleson. Stroeykens remained calm and scored the reboud. Not that we got a good match after the ban was broken: RSCA went along with Cercle’s game and used the long ball (too) much. And created next to nothing in the first half. While the attacks often started with Schmeichel’s good feet, the ball often took too long to travel. Coosemans is less hands-on

So it was the Association that put together the best opportunities. First, Somers headed to Denkey, who found a well-placed Coosemans on his way. Later, the same Denkey was presented with the biggest chance of the match on a silver platter. Sardella advanced, Denkey transferred. The top scorer has already taken such chances.

Dolberg on the flank, that brought something. Although the Dane alternated good moments with bad moments. Too often he lost the ball sloppily. But from the flank he does have the opportunity – more than in rush hour – to make actions. For example, he put the Cercle defense to the wind and then found Stroeykens. Who aimed over his second of the evening.

Daland equalizes

In the second half it was Cercle’s turn to score early. Vazquez made a mistake in a dangerous place. Denkey’s free kick hit the wall. Leoni was too late to block Daland’s hard kick. Coosemans had no story. An equalizer that was simply deserved.

The Association continued its momentum. And went looking for the lead. But once again Denkey missed a great opportunity. This time with the head on a cross from Siquet. Anderlecht didn’t prepare anything. With some help from Cercle: Somers cleared his back pass, Vazquez went around Warleson but kicked into the side netting.

Cercle misses the opportunities

Riemer intervened: Amuzu and Ashimeru had to score the first three-pointer away from home in these play-offs. It did not improve anything at all. Once again Denkey missed a great opportunity. This time Vertonghen was in the way. Coosemans had to distinguish himself on the corner that followed. After the ball hit Somers via Angulo’s body (and hand), he delivered a brilliant reflex. Cercle missed their chances.

And almost got the lid on the nose. Ashimeru, who came on with a lot of drive, put substitute Angulo alone in front of the goalkeeper. Warleson had him stepped on. On the corner that followed, the Brazilian made a miracle save. Once again Angulo saw his header stopped. Amuzu’s goal was rightly disallowed for offside.

Anderlecht still did not win these play-offs away and sees Club Brugge on equal points. The Association remains a thorn in the side of the top clubs. The men of Muslic do not play a supporting role at all.

Photo: BELGA