Anderlecht Back In Group Stages After Six-Year Hiatus

Anderlecht have secured their place in the Europa League group stage for the first time is six years after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Dinamo Minsk, replicating the scoreline from the first leg. 

Substitute Francis Amuzu scored the decisive goal late in the match, ensuring that Belgium will have two representatives in the second-tier European competition. Both Anderlecht and Union Saint-Gilloise advanced.

Holding a slim 1-0 advantage from the first leg and determined to quell any tension early, the purple and white immediately launched a series of fast, incisive attacks. Their dominance was evident as they created numerous chances but struggled with finishing. Ludwig Augustinsson fired over from close range, while Anders Dreyer struck the crossbar with a powerful effort. Kasper Dolberg also came close in the opening 15 minutes, only to be denied by Minsk goalkeeper Vladislav Lapoukhov.

After a strong first half-hour, Anderlecht’s grip on the game loosened slightly, allowing Dinamo Minsk a few half-chances. Yegor Alfred threatened twice, and Danilo Bakhar attempted a spectacular bicycle kick, but Anderlecht goalkeeper Davy Coosemans remained untroubled. As half-time approached, Anderlecht pressed for the opening goal once more. Yari Verschaeren, after a skilful dribble and a quick one-two with Dreyer, unleashed a left-footed shot, but Lapoukhov was again equal to it, keeping Minsk in the tie.

In the second half, Anderlecht struggled to replicate their earlier intensity. They had a scare when Bakhar narrowly missed a golden opportunity for Minsk from close range. With the tension building at Lotto Park, it wasn’t until midway through the second half that Lapoukhov was tested again, this time by a shot from Verschaeren.

In the final stages, Anderlecht finally put the result beyond doubt. Amuzu assisted Dreyer, whose shot was blocked by Minsk defender Evgeny Gavrilovich. However, just minutes later, Amuzu took matters into his own hands, unleashing a superb long-range strike that left Lapoukhov with no chance.

This victory marks Anderlecht’s return to the Europa League group stage after a six-year absence. The financial boost of €3.63 million from the group stage qualification and the prospect of high-profile European matches could prove pivotal for the club as they approach the final days of the transfer window.

“I am happy with the qualification,” said Anderlecht’s Killian Sardela after the game. “It was not easy, first with that away match without supporters on a difficult pitch. Our first half hour was very strong, but after that we let them get into the game too much. The substitutions made the difference today.

“Of course also with Amuzu, who scored the goal. The relief was great when he scored. If we had scored in that first half hour, it would have been a different game. We should have decided the match then. We still have to work on that, because it has happened to us before this season.

“In the second half we did not find our rhythm, although it is not easy against a team that does not want to make the game itself. We kept it under control, they hardly created any chances. It has been a long time since we played in the Europa League, hopefully we will get some nice matches now.”