After a tough few weeks, Anderlecht found their winning stride with a 1-3 win at Mechelen on the 11th day of the Jupiler Pro League on Sunday.
Two goals from Mario Stroeykens (46th, 67th) and a goal from Fabio Silva (71st) reversed the trend for the Brussels side after Mechelen's Jordi Vanlerberghe opened the scoring from the penalty spot (15th).
Anderlecht fans entered the stadium after boycotting the first 12 minutes in protest at recent performances, Wesley Hoedt brought down Jordi Vanlerberghe with a push in the box. After the intervention of VAR, referee Bram Van Driessche indicated to the penalty spot, with Vanlerberghe scoring the subsequent penalty to make it 1-0 to Mechelen after 15 minutes.
Credit: Belga / Jasper Jacobs
At the break, Felice Mazzu made an attacking change by dropping Hoedt for 18-year-old Stroeykens, switching to a four-man defence and two forwards. It turned out to be an inspired change by the Brussels coach, as 30 seconds into the second half Stroeykens scored his first professional goal to make it 1-1 (46th).
Despite Anderlecht's recovery, Mechelen continued to be dangerous with a shot from Geoffrey Hairemans hitting the post in 64th minute. Three minutes later, Anderlecht took control. On a play similar to the equaliser, Stroeykens once again got onto the end a pass from Silva and pushed it past the Mechelen keeper for 1-2 (67th).
Credit: Belga / Kurt Desplenter
After two having missed big missed chances, the Portuguese striker finally found the net. Isolated by Moussa N’Diaye, Silva deceived Coucke with a shot placed in the opposite side netting to offer the three points to the RSCA (1-3, 71st).
In the league table, Anderlecht goes back to 7th place with 16 points while Mechelen remains 12th with 11 points.
