February 6, 2025, was no ordinary day for Belgian football as Royal Antwerp clashed with RSC Anderlecht at the Bosuilstadion, facing off for the right to compete in the Belgian Cup final. With both teams aware of the stakes—Anderlecht clinging to a narrow 1-0 aggregate advantage from the first leg—the stage was set for high drama.
The match kicked off with palpable tension. Denis Odoi, the Ghanaian veteran full-back for Antwerp, quickly became the center of attention. Antwerp needed to overcome their first-leg deficit, and they celebrated first blood when Odoi scored the opener in the 26th minute, tapping home from close range after Tjaron Chery's precise left-wing cross.
Yet within moments, Anderlecht regrouped. Just six minutes later, Yari Verschaeren leveled the score with a powerful strike from outside the box. The game’s momentum shifted dramatically, and as if the sudden turn of events weren't enough, Antwerp found themselves with 10 men by the 36th minute when Odoi received his second yellow card following some heated exchanges on the pitch. The home side was dealt another blow, losing their captain when they could least afford it.
Despite being down a man, Antwerp showcased their resilience. They managed to raise their game and nearly clinched victory with Gyrano Kerk’s late goal, restoring hope for the home fans and pulling the score to 2-1 late in the match. But just when victory seemed within grasp, the inevitable push back from the full-strength Anderlecht arrived.
Quickly after Kerk's goal, César Huerta, the Mexican forward for Anderlecht, who had started the match on the bench, entered the fray during the second half. It was then, at the stroke of 90+1 minutes, Huerta produced the defining moment of the match. With the game tied at 2-2, he maneuvered the ball beautifully after receiving it inside the box. His swift footwork allowed him to evade the Antwerp defenders before delivering a back-pass to Leander Dendoncker. Huerta's assist resulted in Dendoncker’s decisive goal, sealing Anderlecht's progress to the final with a 3-2 aggregate score.
The final whistle confirmed Anderlecht's advancement, leaving Antwerp and their supporters gutted. This match demonstrated the unpredictability and excitement of knockout football, where momentum can swing with just moments of brilliance or lapse.
"It was a tough match, but we showed our character to come back," Huerta stated later, reflecting on the team's perseverance. Meanwhile, Odoi expressed frustration with the turning point of his early departure, commenting, "We fought hard, but the red card changed the game."
With this victory, Anderlecht not only eliminated Antwerp but also secured their place for the final against Club Brugge, scheduled for May 1, 2025. The anticipation mounts as Anderlecht aims for their first title since Huerta's arrival, buoyed by this win.
This thrilling encounter yet again highlighted the rich rivalry between these two Belgian football heavyweights and served as a reminder of the unpredictable excitement inherent in knockout competitions—transforming any match situation to unforeseen heights.
While Huerta’s star continues to rise on European soil, he and Anderlecht now turn their focus to preparing for what promises to be another high-stakes battle as they aim to claim the Belgian Cup title.