He does it again: George Ilenikhena gives Antwerp a point against Anderlecht in a crazy final phase (with the ball on the post)

George Ilenikhena. — © BELGIUM

One winner is not the same as the other. While Club-Gent was sleep-inducing in the second half, Antwerp and Anderlecht turned it into a top match for 90 minutes (1-1). No discussion about the VAR here, but an attractive match where Antwerp only got its deserved point in the final minute after an early blunder by goalkeeper Butez. Anderlecht mainly defended after the break and did not do enough with the space they were given.

Mark van Bommel almost entirely chose the same team that defeated Barcelona on Wednesday. Ejuke and Kerk remained in the starting line-up, only Yusuf had to make way for Ekkelenkamp. Balikwisha was slightly injured on the bench. Anderlecht saw Delaney drop out during the warm-up. Stroeykens finally kicked off.

Antwerp started the game most eagerly with Kerk who quickly finished with a straight shot wide. The red and white wanted to continue with the momentum of their stunt against Barcelona, ​​but were thwarted by a blunder by goalkeeper Butez. In the eighth minute, Sardella crossed with his left foot. A swirling cross. The Antwerp goalkeeper was able to blow his nose before picking. He let the ball slip through his hands in a very shameful manner. Leoni was able to head in. Well followed by the Anderlecht midfielder, but you and I could have scored that goal too. Very nice of Schmeichel, who, when he entered during half-time, encouraged his colleague on the other side.

Leoni’s 0-1. — © BELGIUM

Ingenious interplay

Anderlecht took over the initiative with calm possession and the occasional shot. Not immediately dangerous, but enough to keep Antwerp from getting involved for a while. Until just after halfway through the first half, space was finally found at the back of the Anderlecht defense and Kerk was able to attack Schmeichel. The Danish goalkeeper made a good save and the rebound was headed onto the roof of the goal by Ekkelenkamp. Schmeichel played a good game. He saved from a solid shot by Ekkelenkamp after an ingenious interplay with Janssen.

It kept going up and down. As a goalkeeper you can never make up for a mistake. Stopping balls is simply his job. Butez made a good save with half time in sight after a breakthrough by Dreyer, but Schmeichel’s encouragement after the first half will have done him good anyway.

Butez blocks Dreyer’s shot. — © BELGIUM

More offensive

In the second half, Antwerp looked very emphatically for the equalizer. It made the match even more attractive. Bataille opened with a bang on Schmeichel’s fists. Antwerp’s hunger for goals did create space for Anderlecht. Dreyer curled one of his famous shots onto the outside of the post. A little later Dolberg was there. He decided just wide of the nearest post. That was all from Anderlecht, who mainly defended after the break and did far too little with the space they were given.

Alderweireld played strongly again and had to ensure that the national champion stayed upright when he played with three at the back. Striker Balikwisha replaced defender De Laet. With Ilenikhena for Kerk, Van Bommel replaced an attacker for an attacker.

Dolberg climbs higher than Alderweireld. — © BELGIUM

The attacks continued to roll toward Schmeichel. Ejuke, Janssen, Ekkelenkamp, ​​Ilenikhena,… they all had their turn to kick on goal. Usually the shots were not properly aimed. Until two minutes before the end Ilenikhena scored the 1-1 on a pass from Janssen. His ninth goal for the teenager. Antwerp still didn’t have enough. Keita hit the post in extra time. Schmeichel fell flat on an attempt by Janssen.

It’s great how Antwerp kept going for it. Very big, because Wednesday’s match could have weighed heavily. The fact that the equalizer was scored was entirely due to Antwerp’s diligence.

Ilenikhena scores 1-1. — © BELGIUM

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