Häcken vs Anderlech Match Analysis & Prediction
(UEFA Europa League Qualifying Playoff, 2nd Leg – 30 July 2025)
Match Context
- 1st Leg Result: Anderlecht won 2-1 at home (goals from Dolberg & Verschaeren; Häcken scored via Sadiq).
- Aggregate Score: Anderlecht lead 2-1.
- Stakes: Häcken must win to advance; a 1-0 victory sends them through on away goals. Anderlecht needs only a draw.
- Venue: Bravida Arena (Gothenburg, Sweden) – Artificial turf, which could favor Häcken’s high-tempo style.
Team Analysis
BK Häcken (Sweden)
Strengths:
- Home Form: Unbeaten in last 10 European home games (W6 D4).
- Attacking Threat: Scored in 14 consecutive matches (Sadiq & Hovland key).
- Artificial Pitch Advantage: Anderlecht rarely play on synthetic surfaces.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Fragility: Conceded in 9 of last 10 games.
- 1st Leg Performance: Outpossessed (42%) and outshot (15-8) by Anderlecht.
RSC Anderlecht (Belgium)
Strengths:
- European Experience: Regular in UEL/UECL group stages.
- Clinical Attack: Dolberg (3 goals in 4 games) and Verschaeren in form.
- Defensive Solidity: 4 clean sheets in last 6 away matches.
Weaknesses:
- Away Struggles: Won just 2 of last 7 away European ties.
- Artificial Pitch: Poor record on synthetic turf (1 win in last 5 attempts).
Tactical Battle
- Häcken’s Approach: High-pressing 4-3-3, exploiting wide areas (Sadiq & Layouni). Will push for early goals.
- Anderlecht’s Strategy: Compact 4-2-3-1, looking to counter via Dolberg & Dreyer. Expect set-piece focus.
- Key Duel: Sadiq (Häcken) vs Debast (Anderlecht) – If Häcken’s striker wins aerial battles, they could level the tie.
Prediction
- Likely Outcome: 2-1 Häcken (3-3 agg., Anderlecht advances on away goals)
- Why? Häcken’s home strength and artificial turf edge will see them win, but Anderlecht’s superior defense holds firm.
- Alternative Scenario: If Anderlecht scores first, expect a 1-1 draw (3-2 agg. win).
Key Stats
Metric | Häcken | Anderlecht |
---|---|---|
Avg. Goals (Last 5) | 1.8 | 1.6 |
Clean Sheets | 2 in last 10 | 5 in last 10 |
Shots per Game | 13.4 | 12.1 |
Possession (1st Leg) | 42% | 58% |