Union cruise past Anderlecht in Brussels derby

Union left no doubt at the Dudenpark, overwhelming Anderlecht with an intense high press and impressive quality in possession. Goals from Zeneli and Biondic gave the Unionists a two-goal lead before the break, with substitute Florucz adding a third after half-time to seal a 3-0 victory.

After an extended break due to the European qualifiers, it was time for the Brussels derby between Union and Anderlecht. The Unionists started aggressively, applying a high press from the opening minutes. Their intensity quickly earned them a free-kick. Zeneli took it himself and went for goal, but his effort ended up safely in Coosemans' hands.

High press

Anderlecht responded at the other end with the first real chance of the game. Llansana won the ball back and slipped it through to Ambroos, who in turn picked out Maamar. The forward found himself one-on-one with Koffi, but fired straight at the goalkeeper.

Union continued to suffocate their Brussels rivals throughout the first half. Zeneli cut inside Biancone and unleashed a shot, but Coosemans got down well to keep it out with his legs. Anderlecht threatened briefly from two free-kicks just outside the penalty area, but both attempts sailed over the bar.

Union double their lead

The Unionists were rewarded for their dominance in the 38th minute. From a corner, Mac Allister inadvertently knocked the ball back towards Guilherme. He dribbled past his markers before delivering the ball, and a well-timed run from Zeneli ended with the forward heading the ball in off the left-hand post: 1-0.

Anderlecht almost hit back immediately. Maamar delivered from the right and the ball fell kindly to Nga Kana. His shot narrowly missed the post by around half a metre.

Biondic then punished Anderlecht in stoppage time. Zorgane picked out the German midfielder intelligently from the centre of the pitch. Biondic drove forward down the left, cut inside Biancone and went for goal himself. His effort took a deflection off Pétrôt's calf and flew into the net: 2-0.

There was still one nervous moment for Union before the half-time whistle. Coosemans sent a long ball forward and Cvetkovic latched onto it before racing through on goal. He hesitated when faced with Koffi, but the ball continued rolling towards the net. Fortunately for Union, Sylla got back just in time to clear it off the line.

Union control the second half

The Unionists took firm control of possession after the restart. Anderlecht, however, created the first opportunity of the second half. From a corner, Augustinsson headed the ball down from the far post, but the effort lacked the necessary threat.

Union soon fashioned a chance of their own. Zeneli played the ball through and Mac Allister attempted to catch Coosemans off guard with an audacious lob, but the goalkeeper was not beaten. In the 69th minute, Guilherme had the chance to cap an outstanding performance. He was given time and space to shoot, but sent his effort high over the bar.

Anderlecht refused to give up. On the counter-attack, Ambroos looked to deliver the ball towards Bentayeb. His effort flashed across the face of goal, but Koffi read the situation well and collected the ball just in front of the forward.

Ten minutes from time, substitute Florucz put the result beyond doubt. Sylla played the ball into Schoofs, who found Florucz on the right wing. The Austrian cut inside onto his left foot and fired into the bottom-right corner, beyond Coosemans: 3-0.