Rousing recovery saves Anderlecht

RSC Anderlecht produced a remarkable comeback to recover from two goals down and defeat visitors AFC Rapid Bucuresti 3-2 in Brussels and on aggregate to earn a place in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.

Bright start
After a goalless first leg in Romania, the second match kicked off in sweltering conditions in Belgium. Anderlecht began brightly and had a number of good opportunities to open the scoring in the first 45 minutes, with Ki-Hyeon Seol and Aruna Dindane both wasting clear chances.

Devastating counterattcks
However, two goals against the run of play in five minutes just before the break seemed to have ended the Belgian side's challenge. On 40 minutes, Manuel Godfroid burst through the Anderlecht defence and gave Robert Ilyes a simple far-post finish from close range. Just a minute later Rapid doubled their advantage as Ilyes turned provider, creating the chance for Florin Bratu to slot the ball into the net.

Stirring recovery
Anderlecht increased the pace of the game after half-time and deservedly pulled a goal back just six minutes after the restart, as Nenad Jestrovic headed in Christian Wilhelmsson's cross. A minute later, the tie was level on aggregate again as Pär Zetterberg shot into the net. With 16 minutes remaining, the home side  - trailing on away goals - sealed a dramatic win when Zetterberg's corner was met by the head of Seol.

Polish test
The Belgian side held on to book their place in the next round, where they will face Polish outfit Wisla Kraków, who defeated Omonia AC of Cyprus 7-4 on aggregate.