Anderlecht gave Belgian football hope of a European trophy in their Europa Conference League quarterfinal tie with AZ Alkmaar. The Belgians claimed a 2-0 win at home thanks to goals on either side of halftime from Michael Amir Murillo and Majeed Ashimeru.
The teams will meet on Thursday night in the Conference League quarterfinal second leg in Alkmaar. Anderlecht are aiming to hold onto their 2-0 lead, but they will face a strong attacking assault from AZ.
👀 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒆🇮🇹 Davide Massa heeft donderdagavond de leiding over AZ - RSC Anderlecht. #AZ #azand #UECL— AZ (@AZAlkmaar) April 18, 2023
👀 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒆🇮🇹 Davide Massa heeft donderdagavond de leiding over AZ - RSC Anderlecht. #AZ #azand #UECL
The winner of the quarterfinal tie between AZ Alkmaar and Anderlecht will face either Premier League club West Ham or Belgium’s Gent in the semifinals.
Alkmaar won at the weekend in the Eredivisie, claiming a 3-0 win over Fortuna Sittard. The win ended a two-match losing streak in all competitions.
AZ have been strong at home this season, with a record of 15W-5D-2L. The team outscored opponents 51-23 in their 22 home matches.
Anderlecht will go into the second leg as the underdog, just like they did in the first leg. The Belgians lost 5-2 at the weekend to Belgian Pro League leader Genk. The loss ended a seven-match unbeaten streak for Anderlecht.
The Purple and White likely took their focus off the Pro League at the weekend, as they looked ahead to the second leg with AZ Alkmaar.
Anderlecht have a record of 11W-6D-9L on the road this season in all competitions. They are +3 in away goals with 31 for and 28 against.
Anderlecht reached the quarterfinals after defeating Ludogorets in the playoffs thanks to a penalty shootout. The Purple and White went to Ludogorets and lost 1-0.
However, in the last 16, Anderlecht were successful on their trip to Villarreal, where they won 1-0 after drawing the first leg at home.
AZ Alkmaar won their last 16 match against Lazio at home 2-1. The Dutch club should feed off an inspired home crowd.
Coach Pascal Jansen has five players in the treatment room. Forward Jesper Karlsson is unlikely to play due to injury. However, the quartet of Maxim Dekker, Dani de Wit, Sem Westerveld, and Bruno Martins Indi are all nearing full fitness and could make the squad.
Anderlecht coach Brian Riemer has no fresh injuries and can choose from a full selection of players. It could help Anderlecht hang onto their two-goal aggregate lead.
The second leg should end in favour of AZ Alkmaar 1-0. However, the one-goal win won’t be enough to see them through to the final four.