Anderlecht secures 1-0 away victory at Mechelen through Bentayeb strike

Bentayeb delivers first away win

Anderlecht secured its first away victory of the season with a 1-0 result against KV Mechelen to open the sixth round of the Belgian Pro League on Friday. The Brussels side faced an unsettled start, picking up an early booking when Giulian Biancone fouled in the fifth minute. Forward Tawfik Bentayeb missed an opportunity with a volley in the 18th minute as Anderlecht struggled to generate clear chances. The breakthrough arrived in the 43rd minute through a team move involving summer signing Martin Winkler and Ilias Koutsoupias, whose low cross into the six-yard box was converted by Bentayeb for his first goal for the club.

Defensive resistance in the second half

Mechelen increased pressure during the second half by adopting a direct approach, delivering high balls and crosses into the penalty area. Returning forward Bouke Boersma contested aerial duels, while Anderlecht captain and goalkeeper Colin Coosemans produced key interventions to preserve the lead. Coosemans addressed the contrast between both halves after the final whistle.

We did not concede and we dominated the entire first half. Mechelen was a bit more opportunistic in the second half, with long balls and crosses. We were dependent on where the second ball fell. Clean sheet, three points, that is important in the current period with a lot of matches.

Coosemans also explained that the squad is still developing chemistry as new players adapt to their roles. He dismissed criticism of the low-scoring attack, stating that the team is progressing toward playing 90 minutes of high-level football.

Squad rotations and Bruno's project

Both managers adjusted their starting selections for the fixture. Mechelen coach Fred Vanderbiest brought Bouke Boersma back from injury in place of Shina Ayodele, while handing first starts to Simion Michez and Marco Decherf at the expense of Cedric Van Meirvenne and Keano Vanrafelghem. Anderlecht manager Vítor Bruno made one alteration to his lineup, choosing Martin Winkler over Noa Ojea. In his pre-match press conference on Thursday evening, Bruno asked supporters to show patience during a period of squad rebuilding.

I know this is not what supporters want to hear, but this is year zero of our project. It changes nothing about our ambitions, but it means we have to go step by step. We must give the players time to grow.

Standings and upcoming European schedule

The result moved Anderlecht provisionally to seventh place in the league table with 10 points from three wins in six matches. Mechelen remained in 15th position with two points from six matches, leaving the club vulnerable to being overtaken by La Louviere, Oud-Heverlee Leuven, or Kortrijk after weekend fixtures.

Anderlecht will turn its attention to continental competition on Wednesday, hosting French club Olympique Lyonnais at Lotto Park in the opening fixture of the Europa League league phase. KV Mechelen will return to domestic league action on Saturday, 19 September, with an away fixture against Lommel.