On the final matchday of the Jupiler Pro League, Anderlecht hosted Cercle Brugge. After the defeat in Westerlo, Hubert’s men wanted to show a different face at home against Cercle.
Sporting’s good intentions were immediately visible. Augustinsson struck a high ball on the volley but was blocked. The ensuing corner was flicked on at the near post by Leander Dendoncker, and Luis Vazquez tapped the ball in at the far post. Cercle responded: Agyekum found himself one-on-one with Colin Coosemans, but the goalkeeper stood firm. Somers headed the ball straight into our keeper’s hands from the resulting corner. The visitors remained dangerous, with Nazinho trying his luck from a free kick and Coosemans preventing an own goal by Jan Vertonghen. Just before halftime, Van der Bruggen had Cercle’s best chance, but once again, Coosemans was solid. The home team went into the break leading 1-0.
The visitors started the second half strongly. A goal from Bruninho was disallowed due to a foul on Dendoncker. Just past the hour mark, Cercle threatened again when an excellent cross from Nazinho was headed straight at Coosemans by Felipe Augusto. Shortly after, Angulo surged forward and found Edozie, whose shot resulted in a corner. Vazquez also had a chance but headed straight at Delanghe. Following a double substitution by Hubert—Edozie and Stroeykens made way for Huerta and Ashimeru—and a shot from Dendoncker that was saved, Anderlecht doubled their lead. A stunning volley from Adryelson, following a cross from Chino, crashed in off the underside of the bar. In stoppage time, Huerta put the icing on the cake. After an excellent one-two with Ashimeru, the Mexican smashed the ball past Delanghe. 3 goals, 3 points. On to the Champions’ Play-offs.