Mario Stroeykens had struck late in the day in Riga with a fine goal that looked to have given Anderlecht their fourth win in the Europa League. However, an own goal from Moussa N’Diaye deep in stoppage time denied them a perfect start to the competition. They dominated the possession in Latvia but could not convert or create too many clear cut chances as the hosts, RSF, defended well.
Despite dropping points late on, the result in Riga should mean that Anderlecht have all but secured a spot in the next round of the competition as one of the best 24 teams. They have beaten Ferencvaros, Ludogorets and Real Soceiadad so far in the competition. Next up for the Mauves in the Europa League is a home clash with FC Porto before trips to Czechia to face Slavia Prague and Viktoria Plzen. They finish their competition with a home clash against Hoffenheim at the end of January. The side currently sit fifth in the Europa League table.
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson – Author of The Africa Cup of Nations: The History of an Underappreciated Tournament
