Brussels football club RSC Anderlecht were eliminated in the second qualifying round of the Europa League following a 4-2 defeat on penalties against Swedish team Häcken on Thursday evening.
Despite having been confident of qualification with a first leg win, the Mauves were dumped out of Europe's second highest club competition after a 2-1 loss in extra time and a 3-3 aggregate score. They will now compete in the UEFA Conference League.
Travelling to Gothenburg on Thursday, Anderlecht took a one-goal advantage but struggled against their opponents, who are already in the midst of their domestic season.
Having been dominated since the start of play, Anderlecht saw Häcken level the aggregate score after 30 minutes when Adrian Svanbäck scored from an Amor Layouni assist (33′, 1-0).
Recognising the team’s struggles, coach Besnik Hasi made two substitutions, bringing on Ali Maamar for Basile Vroninks and replacing Nathan Saliba with Yari Verschaeren.
The second half began more positively for Anderlecht, who earned a penalty in the 54th minute, converted by Kasper Dolberg to equalise (1-1).
This goal should have seen Anderlecht through, but Häcken regained the lead in injury time following a penalty given away by Nathan De Cat. Simon Gustafson’s goal pushed the match into extra time (90’+2, 2-1), where Anderlecht were reduced to ten men after Ibrahim Kanate received a second yellow card (117′).
The penalty shootout proved costly for Anderlecht, as Ludwig Augustinsson and Luis Vazquez missed their attempts, while Häcken scored all their shots to win 4-2.
Now relegated to the Conference League, Anderlecht will face Sheriff Tiraspol in the third qualifying round. The first leg will take place on 7 August in Brussels.
