In a tense encounter that saw both teams searching for their first victory in the Champions Play-offs, Anderlecht and Antwerp settled for a goalless draw on April 20, 2025. While the match ended without goals, it was a game filled with moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. For the optimists, both teams secured their first point in the play-offs, but for the realists, there was little to celebrate as the match lacked the spark expected from two teams with such rich histories.
Throughout the match, Anderlecht appeared to be the more aggressive side, especially in the closing stages, where they came closest to breaking the deadlock. Thorgan Hazard, who started the match on the bench, provided a significant impact after being introduced late in the game. His attempts to score were thwarted by a sensational performance from Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who made crucial saves that kept his team in the game.
In the dying minutes, Hazard nearly became the match-winner for Anderlecht. Following a well-placed high ball from Maamar, Hazard managed to fend off Antwerp's Odoi and unleashed a powerful shot, only to be denied by Lammens' remarkable reflexes. The Antwerp goalkeeper's performance was pivotal, as he consistently thwarted Anderlecht's chances, including a close-range effort from Dendoncker.
Anderlecht's coach, Besnik Hasi, expressed his frustration post-match, noting, "In the first half, there was little tempo and danger from both sides. You could see two teams struggling with confidence. However, in the second half, there was much more drive forward. Our substitutions brought energy and we created three good chances, which is unfortunate we couldn't convert into a goal. The players deserved it, and it could have given us a much-needed boost. Thorgan played very freely and brought quality, providing attacking impetus that we need from him moving forward."
On the other side, Antwerp's coach, Andries Ulderink, reflected on the match with a sense of relief. "I am happy we secured a result. In the last ten minutes, we could have faced a bitter defeat, but we are pleased with the point. We also created chances in the second half, and if we had scored, we would have taken all three points. I am satisfied with the clean sheet; apart from the closing moments, we didn't give much away. We'll take this point and head into our next match at home, which is good for morale."
Despite the draw, Antwerp remains without a victory against Anderlecht in five encounters this season, including three league matches and two cup games. Their last win at Lotto Park dates back to September 15, 2019, a statistic that continues to haunt the team. The match statistics reflected a lack of offensive prowess from both sides, particularly in the first half, which saw few clear-cut chances.
Anderlecht struggled to create meaningful opportunities, with their first 85 minutes yielding little in terms of goal-scoring threats. However, the introduction of Hazard sparked a change. He stated post-match, "We have a mixed feeling. We could have won this match, just like they could have. Both teams needed the points. After I came on, we created more chances than in previous matches, which is a positive. It's our first point in these play-offs, so we will try to build on that. We are working hard all week to find the right rhythm in our game. It won't happen overnight, but we need to keep progressing."
In the first half, the match was characterized by a lack of creativity, with both teams failing to capitalize on their few opportunities. Besnik Hasi's decision to start Leoni and Edozie instead of Hazard and Huerta did not yield the desired results, as the first half ended with a scoreline that reflected the teams' struggles. Antwerp's defense held firm, but their attacking efforts were equally uninspiring, with only a few harmless long-range shots to show for their efforts.
As the match progressed, the intensity picked up, particularly in the second half. Antwerp's goalkeeper Coosemans made an important save to deny a chance for Kerk, while Chery squandered a promising counter-attack opportunity. Conversely, Huerta missed an open header chance from a Hazard cross, leaving Anderlecht frustrated as they searched for the elusive goal.
In a dramatic closing sequence, Balikwisha had a golden opportunity to steal the win for Antwerp in the final moments. After a mistake from Dendoncker, Balikwisha was launched on a counter-attack but failed to convert, losing possession to Maamar in a heart-stopping moment for both teams. This near-miss encapsulated the match's theme: chances created but not taken.
The match concluded with both teams sharing the spoils, leaving Anderlecht still searching for their first win in the play-offs after four matches. With KAA Gent poised to capitalize on the situation, the pressure mounts for both teams as they look to improve in the coming fixtures. Anderlecht's next challenge will be crucial as they seek to build on this point and regain their confidence.
As the Champions Play-offs continue, fans are left wondering whether Anderlecht can finally break their winless streak and if Antwerp can find a way to overcome their struggles against their rivals. The stage is set for an intriguing battle ahead, with both teams eager to turn their fortunes around.
