Anderlecht’s revival draws praise as hopes rise for a new machine

At the Stade du Pays de Charleroi, Anderlecht finished the first half of the league campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Zulte Waregem, a result that has sparked fresh optimism around the club. After seven matches the purple‑white side sit fifth with thirteen points, a marked improvement that has drawn unusually strong praise.

European qualifiers impressed analysts

Analyst Fred Waseige noted that Anderlecht appeared far more mature and cohesive in the recent European qualifying rounds than they did last season. He highlighted the team’s increased movement, control and personality, which raised expectations for the remainder of the campaign.

Speaking to RTBF, Waseige said, “I watched the three matches and I almost had to pinch myself. I thought: is this really Anderlecht? It is not the same squad as last year. It was beautiful.”

Contrasting approaches to Lyon

Waseige contrasted Anderlecht’s aggressive line‑up against Lyon with the French side’s decision to field a weakened B‑team. “How many players did they change? Nine? And then against Lyon, who announced a B‑team, that was the chance to start with three points,” he argued.

He added that the Belgian side seemed to value the domestic league more than Europe at that moment, yet he maintained his overall positive view of manager Vitor Bruno’s work.

Vision of a future machine

Waseige sees clear lines in Anderlecht’s play and believes the team is adhering to a consistent system. “I see a clear style. You see what he wants and he sticks to the same system,” he said.

He went further, predicting a dramatic rise: “I think they will be much better than last season. I think something can happen and Anderlecht can become a machine that wins matches again.”

Voor 10 October, Anderlecht host Cercle Brugge, before travelling to Dinamo Zagreb for a European tie – a test to prove that recent strong signals are no accident.