Anderlecht faced a tough challenge on March 9, 2025, as they succumbed to Westerlo with a 2-0 defeat during Jornada 29 of the Jupiler Pro League. This painful loss has significant ramifications for the Brussels team, which now finds its hopes of contesting for the championship title dwindling.
From the opening whistle, Westerlo showcased their dominance, quickly scoring just two minutes in. A corner kick by Dogucan Haspolat set the stage for Matija Frigan, who headed the ball home, giving Westerlo an early 1-0 lead. This fast start not only set the tone for the match but highlighted the disorganization in the Anderlecht defense.
Continuing their aggressive play, Westerlo struck again at the 22-minute mark. Haspolat unleashed a long-range shot from midfield, catching Anderlecht goalkeeper Colin Coosemans off guard as his positioning left him vulnerable. The shot soared over Coosemans and settled in the back of the net, doubling Westerlo's lead to 2-0.
Despite falling behind, Anderlecht attempted to reclaim control of the game. They dominated possession throughout the first half but struggled to convert this advantage to tangible scoring opportunities. César 'Chino' Huerta, starting on the right wing instead of his usual left position, attempted to engage, though he found it difficult to connect with his teammates, generating two harmless plays without significant threat.
The second half saw Anderlecht continuing to push for goals. A moment of hope came when Thorgan Hazard had a close attempt, his shot soaring over the Westerlo goal at the 68th minute. Yet, as the minutes ticked away, they failed to find the back of the net.
The match highlighted the challenges faced by Huerta, who played for 75 minutes before being substituted by Keisuke Goto. On this occasion, Huerta recorded no shots on target, had 87% passing accuracy, but suffered the disappointment of not being able to turn the tides for his team.
After the final whistle, Anderlecht maintained their position fourth in the standings with 48 points, but the loss marked their second defeat against Westerlo this season, raising concerns about their current form. With one match remaining before the playoffs and the title within reach, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Anderlecht.
Next, Anderlecht is set to face Cercle Brugge, which is another pivotal match where points are necessary for their playoff aspirations. After the recent disappointing performance, the team will need to regroup quickly and capitalize on scoring chances to stay competitive.
Westerlo, buoyed by their recent victory, is now 10th on the table, climbing out of the relegation playoff zone. Such a win reflects the gradual improvement of their season as they aim to avoid relegation.
This defeat serves as a stark reminder for Anderlecht of the unpredictable nature of football and the necessity of seizing every opportunity on the pitch. The remainder of the season will undoubtedly be intense as teams fight for their spots and strive to achieve their goals.
Huerta and his teammates will look to turn the page and end the regular season on a high note, especially with the Belgian Cup on the horizon, where they will face Brujas on May 4, 2025. This upcoming challenge could not only salvage their season but also provide the spark they need to reignite their title ambitions.