Union and Anderlecht play a propaganda match… without goals, only Anderlecht still has its fate in its own hands

Brian Riemer had chosen Ashimeru in his starting team. Not really a surprise considering he is about the only midfielder who can run deep and hold the ball at the same time. It had already become clear against Cercle Brugge that that was where the purple and white’s major problem lay.

And it worked… Ashimeru did what was expected of him: combine quickly, be playable and provide depth. It even confused Union, because with clever feints he caused quite a bit of danger. Anderlecht was even the better team in that first half.

Finally a real winner

Delaney and Ashimeru had chances, Dolberg and Dreyer had (big) chances. For the last two, Moris had to perform two leg sweeps. On the other hand, there was only a chance for Amoura that was floated out of goal by Schmeichel.

And as befits a top match, VAR also had to play its role. Very correct this time. Mac Allister scored after a free kick, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Finally a duel between the two Brussels teams worthy of the name top match.

Vertonghen injured/ill?

One downside: apparently something is going around in the Anderlecht dressing room. Ashimeru and Vertonghen lost their stomachs on the field and the latter even had to be replaced after half an hour. Obviously a downer for the purple and white.

There is certainly no shortage of struggle. Each duel was contested as if there would never be another. Anderlecht could have used this Ashimeru earlier. Against Union, the Ghanaian became the playmaker and driving force that Riemer was looking for for so long.

Anderlecht spills with opportunities

At least for about an hour, because then he was injured again. The chances fell on both sides in the second half. What Delaney and Stroeykens left behind, Anderlecht can still sour in the settlement. Union saw Nilsson and Amoura decide too weakly.

But Anderlecht played its best match in these play-offs. This time not with long balls, but over the ground. Only efficiency was lacking. Although Anderlecht still has everything in its own hands. Win everything and they are champions. Union must count on a misstep by Purple & White and preferably win everything themselves.