Anderlecht heads to Zweden for Europese test in Europa League

Anderlecht arrive in Zweden for their Europese opener, a second‑round Europa League tie against Hammarby IF on Thursday 30 July. New coach Vitor Bruno will field a refreshed squad that includes two 17‑year‑old academy graduates and two recent signings. The match kicks off at 20:30 in Stockholm’s 3Arena, with 383 supporters travelling from Belgium.

Hammarby IF, now four months into the Swedish league, sit second after three consecutive wins under coach Rydström, who is in his fourth match in charge. Their season‑long competitive rhythm contrasts sharply with Anderlecht’s four‑week preparation, a factor highlighted by both sides as they approach the League clash.

Anderlecht’s pre‑season featured four friendlies against French lower‑division sides Boulogne‑sur‑Mer and Dunkerque and Dutch clubs NEC and AZ. After an opening draw, the Belgian side won the remaining three games, with Ukrainian forward Danilo Sikan scoring several goals. The fixtures were part of the Jupiler Pro League calendar, distinct from the Challenger Pro League, often referenced as LeagueChallenger.

The defensive line now includes French arrivals Giulian Biancone and Léo Pétrot, described by the coach as “two boys with reasonable experience, making integration easier”. Their presence adds depth to a back‑line that previously relied on younger players, bridging the gap between the LeagueChampions tier and the LeagueConference in UEFA’s hierarchy. The squad also features Canadian World Cup participant Saliba and target striker Sikan.

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Hammarby’s co‑owner, former star Zlatan Ibrahimović, holds a quarter of the club’s shares and may be spotted in the stands. The announcement noted the kickoff is IFover6 minutes away, underscoring the imminent start. Fans can follow the game on LeagueLIVE, a service that streams the encounter.

Belgian links surface at Hammarby: former Anderlecht goalkeeper Warner Hahn, ex‑Gent midfielder Tekie, and defender Ibrahima Fofana, who once played for Club NXT, will be on the bench. Their presence adds a Met dimension to the Swedish side’s lineup, highlighting cross‑border ties.

Anderlecht’s recent European history includes a loss to BK Häcken in the previous Europa League qualifying round, a tie that fell between the LeagueEuropa and LeagueMeer stages. That defeat, followed by elimination by AEK Athens, ended their continental campaign last season.

Captain Colin Cosemans acknowledged the preparation disparity, saying, “We know where we stand and will do everything for a good result.” He added that training on artificial turf at La Arena does not pose a major issue, noting, “De factors are many, but not decisive.”

The match will be broadcast as part of the Conference package, offering viewers a chance to see how Anderlecht adapts to the Europese challenge in Sweden. Both clubs aim to secure a favorable result to progress further in the Europa competition.