Anderlecht and Villareal shared the spoils 1-1 on Thursday at the Lotto Park in Brussels in the Conference League round of 16 first leg.
After a strong start from Anderlecht which also led to a goal by Raman being disallowed for offside after five minutes it was the Spanish who opened the scoring.
Manu Trigueros' goal in the 29th minute cooled down a galvanised Lotto Park by the excellent start of the home team.
Following the goal, Villareal, who are sixth in La Liga and were Europa League winners in 2021, kept Anderlecht at bay. Trailing and with their backs to the wall, the Brussels side were forced to react.
Their efforts paid off when Anders Dreyer equalised for the Mauves in the 58th minute.
Anderlecht players celebrate after Anders Dreyer makes 1-1. Credit: Belga / Bruno Fahy
The Dane was found 30 meters from goal by a new forward push by the tireless Amuzu who unleashed a sensational shot that left Pepe Reina with no chance to make 1-1.
The second leg will be played next Thursday in Villareal.
The second Belgian club in the Conference League, KAA Gent, drew 1-1 at home with Istanbul Başakşehir.
