Anderlecht make it lucky 13

Anderlecht relief
Both coaches fielded experimental sides in a game which had no consequence on the Group G standings, but the victory brought immense relief to Anderlecht. Betis, who go into the UEFA Cup after securing third place, continue to struggle in what has been a difficult season so far.

Cautious start
The two teams were cautious in a first half in which Betis dominated possession. Anderlecht gave signal of their counterattacking intentions, however, when in the 14th minute Oleg Iachtchouk was sent clear by a fine Kompany pass. The Ukrainian tried a left-footed lob that went just wide of the far post. Betis remained in control, but could not capitalise on a series of free-kicks and corners. The closest they came was on 28 minutes, when David Rivas met Capi's corner with a powerful downward header which Bart Goor cleared off the line.

Kompany strikes
With the game drifting towards half-time, Anderlecht took the lead through some courageous decision-making by their outstanding performer, Kompany. Sprinting the length of the pitch, his run was expertly picked out by Goor and while Kompany's first touch was far from ideal, he struck the ball ferociously from the angle and it flew between Antonio Doblas's legs and into the back of the net.

Joaquín comes on
Betis coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer realised things needed to change and threw on Xisco Muñoz and Joaquín Sánchez for Israel Bascón and Juanlu at the break. The latter was perhaps unfortunate after showing some good touches but Betis needed more dynamism up front. Joaquín's pace and crossing made an instant impression as the Seville side pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Fernando Fernández tried his luck with a powerfully struck long-range effort but Anderlecht were resilient and Daniel Zítka was rarely tested.

Capi denied
Betis kept attacking but with Kompany imperious, struggled to find a way through. Xisco did make room on the right after 66 minutes, only to overhit a cross when well placed. Seven minutes later, Kompany again showed his value. Joaquín sped past Goor and pulled the ball back for Capi but the defensive midfielder saw his attempt blocked by the outstretched leg of Kompany.

Pujol miss
With the clock ticking down, Anderlecht's Grégory Pujol missed a glorious opportunity to wrap up the points. Iachtchouk took the ball down the left before squaring to his team-mate who, despite having time and space, could not squeeze his effort past Doblas. Betis immediately stormed up the other end but Xisco was forced too wide in the box and Zítka blocked his shot from the angle.