
Anderlecht pulled off a surprise 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in Spain, in a game overshadowed by violence off the field.
The match at the Reale Arena started disastrously for Anderlecht. Coach David Hubert’s experimental line-up, featuring younger players like Tristan Degreef alongside regulars Luis Vázquez and Théo Leoni, fell behind after just five minutes. A misplaced pass from Zanka allowed Real Sociedad’s Umar Sadiq to break free, setting up Pablo Marín, who finished clinically to give the hosts an early 1-0 lead.
Anderlecht struggled to find their rhythm, and the early goal left them rattled. A few defensive errors almost cost them further, but as Real Sociedad began to pile on the pressure, Anderlecht struck back. In the 28th minute, Luis Vázquez found space in the box and finished coolly to bring the Belgian side level. Then, just before half-time, Théo Leoni produced a moment of magic, firing a superb volley into the top corner to give Anderlecht a 2-1 lead.
In the second half, Anderlecht faced relentless pressure from Real Sociedad. However, despite several close calls, goalkeeper Colin Coosemans was never truly tested, and the Belgian side held on to secure a vital win. The victory was a major boost for Anderlecht, but unfortunately, events off the pitch took the spotlight.
While Anderlecht’s performance on the pitch was commendable, it was the behaviour of their supporters that grabbed headlines. A group of Anderlecht fans caused chaos in the stands, throwing objects at the home supporters, forcing many of them to leave their section. Several hooligans also tore down security screens and hurled chairs at Sociedad’s fans. The match was briefly halted as referee intervention became necessary. Anderlecht players, including Coosemans and Leoni, attempted to calm their supporters, but the damage had already been done.
Local police in San Sebastian had anticipated trouble, preparing for potential unrest in the city ahead of the match. These fears were realised as disturbances broke out in the hours leading up to kick-off, and they continued into the stadium. In total, eight Anderlecht supporters were arrested for their involvement in the violence, prompting widespread condemnation.
After the match, Sociedad players were vocal about their disgust with the behaviour of the Anderlecht fans. Mikel Oyarzabal, visibly frustrated, told the press: “You can’t come to football to be an arsehole. People go home because idiots throw things. UEFA must take responsibility.” He added that Sociedad players had been urging the officials to stop the match for over 15 minutes before action was taken.
Sociedad’s manager, Imanol Alguacil, echoed these sentiments, calling the situation “a disgrace”. He went on to criticise UEFA’s handling of the incident and questioned why Belgian players were seen applauding their fans after the match, despite the disruption. “We should have stopped the match. Someone will have to put an end to this situation because we have a serious problem,” Alguacil stated.
Real Sociedad has since requested a formal meeting with UEFA to discuss the events and the lack of decisive action during the game.
In response to the controversy, Anderlecht issued an official apology to Real Sociedad and their supporters. Spokesman Mathias Declercq expressed deep regret over the violence, stating: “We want to condemn this as a club without any hesitation, and we also want to apologise to the club and the fans. This totally unacceptable behaviour has no place in football.”
Anderlecht also face the threat of further sanctions, with a conditional penalty already hanging over them from incidents involving their fans during a previous Europa League clash with West Ham. Should UEFA decide to act, the Belgian club may face having to play an away fixture without any travelling support.
Declercq added, “It is all the more incomprehensible that this can still happen, especially when we have such a warning hanging over us.”
What should have been a night of celebration for Anderlecht turned into one of shame as a result of the actions of a minority of their fans, leaving the club bracing for potential UEFA sanctions in the near future.
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