Anderlecht's César Huerta made quite the impact during his brief appearance on March 16, 2025, as he helped secure a decisive 3-0 victory over Cercle Brugge on Matchday 30 of the Belgian First Division. This match was pivotal for Anderlecht, who needed to cement their position for the upcoming Playoffs, and Huerta’s contribution proved invaluable.
The action kicked off at Lotto Park, where the home team quickly found their rhythm. Within the first six minutes, Luis Vázquez scored the opening goal, giving Anderlecht an early lead. Vázquez's goal came after clever setup by Leander Dendoncker, who assisted on the play, leading to elation among the Anderlecht supporters.
Before Huerta entered the game at the 74th minute, Anderlecht maintained pressure on their opponents with aggressive play. Yet, as the game wore on, they struggled to extend their lead, facing some near-misses and intense moments, including almost conceding to Cercle Brugge. Jan Vertonghen nearly scored an own goal, but the team’s defense held strong.
It was Huerta's late-game entrance, wearing the number 23 jersey, which changed the story. His impact was felt almost instantaneously as he provided the setup for the second goal. By the 87th minute, Huerta assisted Adryelson, who struck the ball with precision to make the score 2-0. The synergy between Huerta and Adryelson displayed the creativity and skill of the Mexican-born player, showcasing why he is valued on the team.
But Huerta didn't stop there. Just moments later, during stoppage time at the 90+6 minute mark, he scored his second goal of the season, solidifying the 3-0 victory. After receiving the ball from Majeed Ashimeru, Huerta delivered a powerful shot past the goalkeeper, ending the match on a high note for Anderlecht. His performance not only highlighted his individual skills but also established him as a key player moving forward, especially with playoffs on the horizon.
Anderlecht completed the regular season with 51 points, finishing fourth overall and qualifying for the Playoffs. They now face formidable opponents including Genk and Brujas as they aim for the championship title. Huerta’s goals and assists will be pivotal as they push for success.
For Huerta, the moment is particularly sweet, marking just his second goal during his time playing in Europe. This victory and his contributions leave him carrying momentum as he prepares to join the Mexican National Team for the upcoming Final Four of the Concacaf Nations League 2024-25, set to be held in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Cercle Brugge, unfortunately for them, must now contend with the looming specter of relegation. Heriberto Jurado, the other Mexican on the pitch, did not participate as he was absent from the roster this match. It's back to the drawing board for Cercle Brugge as they must now focus on avoiding relegation.
Overall, César Huerta’s performance not only bolstered Anderlecht’s chances for the playoffs but also showcased the flourishing talent of Mexican players abroad. The football community is eager to see how he and his teammates will perform as they progress toward the final stages of the season.
The victory against Cercle Brugge signifies more than just three points; it is the beginning of the next chapter for Anderlecht, echoing the team’s resilience and Huerta’s promising future.