RSC Anderlecht's campaign in the Champions' Play-Offs has been a significant disappointment thus far, as they managed to secure only their first point of the series with a 0-0 draw against Antwerp FC on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Despite showing some signs of progress, the team has struggled to create scoring opportunities, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning their performance.
After a dismal start to the playoffs, where they lost to Club Brugge, KRC Genk, and Union SG, Anderlecht's head coach Besnik Hasi has been under scrutiny. Since taking over the reins, Hasi's side has found it particularly challenging to break down defenses and generate chances. The match against Antwerp was no exception, with the number of notable opportunities for both teams being counted on one hand.
In the match, Anderlecht appeared to be the better side in possession but failed to capitalize on their ball control. Hasi made some tactical adjustments, notably starting Théo Leoni in midfield, which allowed Yari Verschaeren to push higher up the pitch. However, this decision did not yield the desired results. Verschaeren's influence on the game was minimal, and Leoni's performance was disappointing.
Leoni, who had not started since February 23, 2025, began the match with confidence but faded quickly. According to La Dernière Heure, he received a rating of just 4 out of 10, indicating that his impact was less than satisfactory. The outlet noted, "Began the match with confidence, but after a few poor passes, he faded away with the rest of the team. He was substituted early on." Het Nieuwsblad echoed this sentiment, questioning whether Leoni's performance was enough to secure a new contract, while SudPresse remarked that he was initially present in the match but disappeared as the game progressed. "Fortunately, he wore orange fluorescent shoes; otherwise, he would have been invisible," they stated.
On the other side of the pitch, Antwerp's veteran defender Denis Odoi expressed satisfaction with his team's first point in the playoffs. "We must be satisfied with that first point, but I thought we were better last week," Odoi said in a post-match interview with DAZN. He acknowledged that while the first half of their match against Anderlecht was not impressive, the team did not concede any chances, which is an improvement.
Odoi highlighted that Antwerp created some opportunities but lamented their inability to convert. "At Anderlecht, they were a bit lost for a period, and we had a few chances. Unfortunately, we couldn't finish our opportunities," he reflected. Despite the missed chances, he conceded that Anderlecht also had their moments, making the draw a fair result. "They get chances too, so a draw is perhaps fair," Odoi concluded, emphasizing the need for his team to aim for three points in future matches.
The draw leaves Anderlecht with much to ponder as they continue their campaign in the playoffs. Fans are eager to see if Hasi can turn the tide and inspire a turnaround in form. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether Anderlecht can salvage their season or if they will continue to struggle in a highly competitive league.
As the playoffs progress, the pressure mounts on both teams to secure victories. Anderlecht's need for improvement is clear, and they will have to dig deep to find a way to create more scoring opportunities and convert those chances into goals. Meanwhile, Antwerp will look to build on their first point and find their rhythm as they strive for a successful campaign.
The stakes are high, and with each passing match, the intensity of the competition only increases. Fans will be watching closely to see how these teams respond to the challenges ahead and whether they can rise to the occasion in their pursuit of playoff glory.
