Standard Liege emerged victorious against Anderlecht with a 2-0 win at Stade Maurice Dufrasne, marking a significant turn in their Jupiler Pro League campaign. Rafiki Saïd delivered a standout performance, scoring one of the two goals that propelled Liege to their triumph on a chilly afternoon in Liège. Anderlecht, despite holding the majority of possession, found themselves outmaneuvered at key moments.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
The first half saw an early flurry of activity, with both teams receiving yellow cards within the opening 25 minutes. I. Karamoko and N. De Cat were booked in the 17th minute, setting a tense tone for the encounter. By the 29th minute, Karamoko made a more significant impact, finding the back of the net with an assist from R. Said, putting Standard Liege ahead.
Saïd Seals the Victory
Just after the break, Rafiki Saïd doubled Liege’s advantage with a well-placed goal in the 48th minute, effectively sealing the victory. Despite Anderlecht's dominant 64% possession and a total of 15 shots, they couldn’t break down the resolute Liege defense, which stood firm thanks to significant contributions from Marco Ilaimaharitra, who excelled in defensive duels.
Statistical Insights and Standout Performances
Despite being under pressure, Standard Liege made the most of their 36% possession, taking nine shots with three on target. Rafiki Saïd was instrumental, not only scoring but also contributing significantly in duels and creating key passes. His influence was a crucial factor in the home side's resilience and attacking efficiency.
Looking Ahead
This victory represents a crucial morale boost for Standard Liege, who have struggled in recent fixtures. Meanwhile, Anderlecht will need to reassess their strategy as they continue to falter despite their possession-based approach. With Liege’s newfound defensive solidity and Saïd's creative spark, they can aim to build on this performance in upcoming matches.
