Union Saint-Gilloise and Anderlecht held each other to a draw on Sunday evening, making Club Brugge the biggest beneficiary. The injury to Jan Vertonghen was additional bad news for Paars-Wit (Purple-White).
Embed from Getty Images
The former player from Ajax, Tottenham Hotspur, and Benfica, Jan Vertonghen, required medical attention in the first half due to persistent groin issues.
Despite efforts to play on, his condition forced him to leave the pitch by the 33rd minute. Just moments after his exit, Union Saint-Gilloise appeared to gain the upper hand when Kevin Mac Allister found the back of the net. However, the celebration was cut short as the goal was ruled out for offside, maintaining the stalemate.
Anderlecht, on the road, demonstrated resilience and tenacity. They did not seem phased by the hostile environment and managed to dictate the pace of the game, creating multiple scoring chances. Despite their efforts, Union's goalkeeper, Anthony Moris, stood firm, thwarting attempts by notable players including former Ajax forward, Kasper Dolberg, who was repeatedly denied by the Luxembourg national's exceptional goalkeeping.
On the other end, Anderlecht’s goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, was equally impressive. The seasoned Dane, celebrated for his Premier League title with Leicester City, showcased his goalkeeping prowess with several crucial saves. Among them was a spectacular stop from Mohamed Amoura’s forceful attempt, which could have changed the course of the game. His efforts ensured that the game remained goalless.
The 0-0 draw in Brussels spelled a missed opportunity for Anderlecht to close the gap at the top of the league. Meanwhile, Club Brugge capitalized on their earlier victory over Antwerp FC, where they secured a 1-2 win. This triumph marked Club Brugge’s sixth consecutive victory during a critical phase of the competition. With just three matchdays remaining, Club Brugge's consistent performance has given them a slight edge, holding a two-point lead over Anderlecht in what promises to be a nail-biting finish to the season.
