For the sixth matchday of the Champions’ Play-offs, Sporting travelled to Ghent. The midweek clash at the Lotto Park had ended 5-0. Besnik Hasi’s men wanted to continue that positive run, and they succeeded. Leander Dendoncker scored the only goal of the afternoon, ensuring Anderlecht returned home with all three points.
On this sun-drenched Sunday, KAA Gent started with attacking intent, but the first real threat came from RSCA. Kasper Dolberg, set up well by Thorgan Hazard in the box, fired at Gent goalkeeper Tom Vandenberghe. Gent responded through Hyllarion Goore, who latched onto a cross from Atsuki Ito and surprised with a sharp shot from the edge of the box. Colin Coosemans made the save, and César Huerta cleared the danger. After an enjoyable first half hour — with good chances at both ends, a yellow card for Matisse Samoise, and some smooth combinations — no major goal threats materialized. Anderlecht still had chances through Yari Verschaeren and Kasper Dolberg, but halftime arrived with the score still locked at 0-0.
KAA Gent came out strong after the break. However, the Buffalo’s high pressing didn’t translate into real chances that troubled Coosemans. Just past the hour mark, Samoise pulled down Samuel Edozie and was shown a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal. Anderlecht immediately capitalized on the advantage. Verschaeren first curled a shot onto the crossbar, but moments later RSCA found the breakthrough. Leander Dendoncker controlled the ball inside the box, turned away from his direct opponent, and slotted the ball left-footed into the bottom corner — unstoppable for Vandenberghe. Gent still had a one-on-one opportunity through Momodou Sonko, but our goalkeeper stood firm. Thanks to Coosemans’ 17th clean sheet of the season, the three points headed back to Brussels. “A solid match,” concluded Verschaeren afterwards.
