In a captivating encounter at the Elindus Arena, Anderlecht emerged victorious over Zulte Waregem with a 4-2 scoreline in the Jupiler Pro League. Anderlecht's triumph was fueled by a remarkable performance from Thorgan Hazard, who showcased his brilliance with a hat-trick, sealing the win in style. The match, officiated by Bert Verbeke, saw a flurry of goals and dramatic moments that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats.
Anderlecht's First-Half Dominance
The first half was dominated by Anderlecht, who capitalized on their chances to build a commanding lead. The visitors were denied an early goal when Adriano Bertaccini's effort was ruled offside, but they soon found the net through a Thorgan Hazard penalty in the 38th minute. Hazard continued his scoring spree, adding another goal just three minutes later, assisted by Nathan De Cat. Moments before the break, Ilay Camara extended Anderlecht's lead to 3-0, with Tristan Degreef providing the assist.
Waregem's Resilient Response
Zulte Waregem returned in the second half with a renewed vigor, aiming to claw back into the game. Anosike Ementa found the back of the net in the 53rd minute, offering the home side a glimmer of hope. Despite Anderlecht's defensive resilience, Waregem managed to reduce the deficit further with a late strike from Mikkel Ake in stoppage time. However, Hazard's third goal in the 85th minute had already put the game out of reach, ensuring Anderlecht's lead remained unassailable.
Hazard's Influence and Tactical Insights
Thorgan Hazard's influence was undeniable, with his clinical finishing and positioning making the difference. His contribution underscored Anderlecht's tactical setup, which efficiently capitalized on counter-attacking opportunities. Zulte Waregem, despite enjoying 54% possession and attempting 30 shots, struggled to convert their chances, largely due to Anderlecht's strategic defensive positioning and timely interventions.
Looking Forward
This victory propels Anderlecht, who had been underperforming in recent fixtures, back into the race for European qualification spots. Their resurgence is timely, while Waregem will need to swiftly regroup to maintain their standing amidst a tightly contested league. With standout performances like Hazard's, Anderlecht could be poised for a strong finish to the season.
