The Purple & White took on KAS Eupen on the 29th and last but one matchday of the regular league, but did not get more out of it than a 1-1 draw. Romelu Lukaku had opened the score for Sporting before half-time, but substitute José Espinal scored the equalizer in the final minutes of the game.

Anderlecht coach Ariël Jacobs had to miss several first-string players for this match. In addition to Mbark Boussoufa, who was transferred at the end of this week, Cristophe Diandy, Lucas Biglia, Matias Suarez, Lukas Marecek and Jonathan Legear did not get fit in time for the away match at Eupen. Kanu, Sacha Kljestan, Ziguy Badibanga and Cheikhou Kouyate started in midfield. On the bench, moreover, there were two promising youngsters present: Jordan Garcia Calvete and Nathan Kabasele.

The first ten minutes were Albert Cartier’s. Eupen put pressure on the visitors through Chavarria and Vandenbergh, but they did not really manage to threaten Proto. After only 13 minutes of play, Sporting’s T1had to carry through a substitution when Kanu had to leave the field injured. Tom De Sutter took his place. The Purple & White got into the match slowly and were dangerous through Ziguy Badibanga for the first time. He reached De Sutter, but the striker’s header went long. A few minutes later on, Sacha Kljestan was close to scoring the opening goal, but his shot hit the post, as a result of which the Eupen goalie was able to make the save. Anderlecht kept on putting pressure on the home defence and, five minutes before half-time, they were rewarded. Romelu Lukaku took advantage of a far goal kick by Silvio Proto and hesitation among Eupen’s defence to beat Petr with a header: 0-1. De Sutter was close to scoring the 0-2, somewhat later on, but his shot was averted by the home goalie.

During the second half, the Purple & White had opportunities to double their lead through Gillet and De Sutter, but Eupen goalie Petr stood in the way every time. Gillet almost scored the 0-2 ten minutes before the final whistle, but his shot was saved on the line. Sporting controlled the match, but were surprised in the final minutes of the game. First Proto was able to avert a shot by Kevin Vandenbergh, but José Espinal, at the far post, scored on the rebound: 1-1. Despite the draw on Eupen’s pitch, the Purple & White do take the lead again on the league table. That is, Genk lost 0-2 against Westerlo on their own pitch.

RSCA’s next game is one against AA Ghent. Kickoff of that match will take place at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on Sunday 20th March 2011 at 6 p.m.