Europe Cup: Anderlecht and Charleroi aim to keep their journey alive

One week later, Anderlecht and Charleroi are back in action. After the first leg, it’s time for the return matches in the second qualifying round of the Europa and Conference League. The Belgian teams have put themselves in a strong position to overcome this hurdle.

With a 1-0 win over Häcken at Lotto Park, the Mauves can travel to Gothenburg with peace of mind. In Stockholm, the other Sporting secured an excellent draw in Hammarby’s cauldron.

Boosted by this weekend’s confidence during the Jupiler Pro League restart, both clubs approach a decisive clash that could shape their European season. Here’s everything you need to know to place your bets wisely.

Anderlecht looking to keep the momentum

Everything is going well at the moment for Besnik Hasi. Yet, his return wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Back in the capital at the end of March, the coach began his second spell in the worst possible way, losing to Club Brugge and finishing no better than fourth during the Playoffs 1.

It was somewhat surprising to see management keep him on over the summer. But the decision is paying off. RSCA beat Häcken a week ago, and more importantly, delivered an attacking show against Westerlo (5-2) last Sunday.

"A winning culture doesn’t come by chance. You have to build it, work on it in the long term, but that culture has faded in recent years," he explained. "Our players would lose a match and act like it was normal. You can lose if the opponent is better, but it can’t become a habit."

Will the Brussels side maintain this winning streak in Scandinavia as they carry odds above two on GoldenVegas Sport?

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: 31 July at 7 p.m.

Thorgan Hazard to shine again like in the Jupiler Pro League?

To defeat the Swedes, Anderlecht will need to keep their attacking momentum going. While Luis Vázquez was the standout player during pre-season, scoring 10 goals, he struggled in the match against Westerlo, starting in place of Kasper Dolberg.

The Argentine missed a huge chance. The club is actively seeking a new striker, in addition to an experienced defender, to solve their current issues. “We know what we want, but it’s not easy right now. The profile we are looking for isn’t cheap, and I’d rather the club take its time than rush into signing the first option,” explained Hasi.

The incoming forward is expected to be Adriano Bertaccini. The Charleroi player will leave Sint-Truiden for Neerpede in a €6 million deal. In the meantime, who will score this Thursday? After netting a brace in the league, will Thorgan Hazard deliver again to push Anderlecht into the third qualifying round of the Europa League?

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: 31 July at 7 p.m.

The Zebras aim for an upset

At the Mambourg, Charleroi faced a strong opponent in Hammarby. With greater match rhythm, the Swedish side proved dangerous. Rik De Mil’s men suffered in the final half-hour.

The same happened in Leuven, as if their minds were still in Sweden. Trailing by two goals at the start of stoppage time, Stulic’s teammates turned the game around in just 4 minutes. Thanks to this dramatic draw, the Hainaut side heads into the next match full of confidence.

"Mentally, it’s a very good point. We lost a lot of quality during the transfer window, but we continue to show our football, to stay united as a family," explained the coach. Will they continue to show the same solidity on the continental stage?

That will be the absolute condition to keep the journey going in the Conference League — and earn the right to face Rosenborg in Norway.

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: 31 July at 7 p.m.

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