Anderlecht deny Salzburg a single first-half shot and win 2-0
An Augustinsson free kick and a late Winkler counter earn the Brussels side three points, three days before the top clash with Club Brugge.
Anderlecht beat Red Bull Salzburg 2-0 at Lotto Park on Thursday night on the fourth matchday of the Europa League. Ludwig Augustinsson put the hosts ahead after 20 minutes with a free kick over the wall, and Marten Winkler sealed the result in the 90th minute after a counter-attack, Voetbalkrant and ORF report. Winkler had earlier seen a goal ruled out: according to Voetbalkrant the ball had crossed the line before Ali Maamar's cross, while Austrian broadcaster ORF says two Anderlecht goals were disallowed after VAR intervention.
According to ORF and DH, Salzburg did not manage a single attempt on goal in the first half, while Anderlecht enjoyed their best spell in a long time. DH and Voetbalkrant point out, however, that the Brussels side wasted plenty of chances, including through Mihajlo Cvetkovic. After the break Salzburg improved and goalkeeper Colin Coosemans protected the lead; coach Vitor Bruno praised him for it afterwards, Voetbalprimeur reports. Jayden Onia-Seke went off injured and left the pitch in tears.
Anderlecht now have 6 points, two more than Salzburg, ORF reports, and according to DH they are back in the race for the top 24. For Bruno, who has been under pressure in recent weeks, it is a welcome boost. Augustinsson admitted to Voetbalprimeur that he rarely scores from free kicks. On Sunday the league match against Club Brugge awaits, which DH calls the real test.