Anderlecht registered an important away win at KV Mechelen on Saturday evening, a result showed by dominant statistics. The 0-1 victory, thanks to a goal from Tawfik Bentayeb in the forty-third minute, was built on 65.9 percent possession and an 87.7 percent pass accuracy rate.
Control and precision
Vítor Bruno's side, set up in a 4-4-2 formation, set the tone with 553 completed passes against the hosts. Mechelen, led by Frédéric Vanderbiest, operated in a 3-4-1-2 system and had just 34.1 percent of the ball. Although Anderlecht took fewer shots (14 to 15), their efforts were more dangerous. Three of their attempts were on target, forcing the Mechelen goalkeeper into four saves.
Disciplinary cost
The control came at a price. Anderlecht picked up four yellow cards and committed 21 fouls, a sign of the fierce battle in midfield. The defence had to clear the ball 39 times, partly due to ten Mechelen corners. The team did win 64.3 percent of their tackles, illustrating the defensive commitment.
Context and outlook
The win solidifies Anderlecht's seventh place in the Jupiler Pro League, with ten points from six matches. They sit six points behind leaders Union Saint-Gilloise. This away victory follows a draw against Genk and a win over Kortrijk, confirming their recent form (WDWLW). The full standings show a tight mid-table. The next task is a home match against Zulte Waregem, who currently sit fifth. The injury status of Lucas Hey remains a point of attention for the squad, which can be viewed on the squad page. The home support can prepare for the upcoming fixture via the fixtures.
Sporza Voetbal published a video of the winning goal in the 0-1 victory against KV Mechelen. The goal by Tawfik Bentayeb in the forty-third minute came after an assist from Ilias Koutsoupias. The win keeps Anderlecht in seventh place, with ten points from six games and a goal difference of -1.
Captain Colin Coosemans compared Tawfik Bentayeb not to Kasper Dolberg, but to Islam Slimani. Coosemans said Bentayeb and Dolberg are "totally different" types. The Moroccan forward shows a Slimani-like profile through his tireless work ethic and dropping deep to initiate play. Bentayeb, who scored the winner against Mechelen, has already been close to two goals in two matches.
