10-man Anderlecht end Union St Gilloise’s almost season long reign at the top of the Belgian Pro League

In a heated and atmospheric Brussels derby, it was the home side Anderlecht that came away with all three points and jumped into first place in the Belgian Pro League. The purple part of Brussels were able to celebrate a huge win in the title race despite being down to 10-men for the final 25 minutes.

Former Ajax and Nice striker Kasper Dolberg gave the side the lead after just 11 minutes to put more pressure on a Union St Gilloise side that have lost their opening two games in the play-offs. Anderlecht were coming in off the back of a 3-0 defeat away to Club Brugge, and the frail defence from last weekend was on display as Union created many chances that they just could not convert. However, after 65 minutes Zeno Debast was adjudged to have elbowed Gustaf Nilsson in the box, with VAR intervening to give Debast a red card and Union a penalty. Cameron Puertas converted, and after that it looked like Union would be pushing for victory.

However, Francis Amuzu had other ideas. The young winger had been introduced in the first half after an injury to Thorgan Hazard and struck in the 76 minute to give Anderlecht the lead. The home side dealt with plenty of pressure from their opponents, who ended the game with 15 shots and an xG of 2.42.

Anderlecht will face Genk away next weekend, while Union are at home to Club Brugge. One feels that if they have any hope of staying in the title race, they must turn around their poor start to the play-offs next week against an inform Club side.