The second leg of the 2024/25 Europa League play-off between Anderlecht (Belgium) and Fenerbahce (Turkey) will be held on February 20 at Lotto Park in Brussels. The score of the first match was 3-0 in favor of Fenerbahce. Anderlecht vs. Fenerbahce: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Anderlecht
The Belgians suffered a 0-3 defeat in the first leg in Istanbul. The club last suffered such a heavy defeat in the Europa League in 2011, when Ajax defeated them in both play-off matches. Notably, Anderlecht has now lost three consecutive matches in this tournament. Interestingly, this is only the second time the team has experienced such a losing streak in regular time in this European competition. To advance in the tournament, Anderlecht needs to overcome their opponent by at least four goals.
- Before losing three consecutive matches, the Belgians were unbeaten in this European competition for 10 matches (6 wins and 4 draws).
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 7 of Anderlecht's last 9 Europa League matches.
- The team has not won the first half in their last six home matches in this tournament (5 draws and 1 loss).
Predicted lineup for Anderlecht (4-3-3)
Colin Coosemans – Adrien Trebel, Ludwig Augustinsson, Lucas Hey, Killian Sardella – Leander Dendoncker, Tristan Degraef, Theo Leoni – Mario Stroeykens, Luis Vazquez, Cesar Huerta.
Fenerbahce
Jose Mourinho's side took a confident step towards the Europa League Round of 16 by defeating the Belgians 3-0 at home. In the return leg, the Turks will be satisfied with a loss by no more than two goals. It's worth noting that the club hasn't achieved a major victory in this tournament since August 2022. They also ended a three-match winless streak in this competition (2 draws and 1 loss).
- The Istanbul side has not lost in 8 of their last 10 Europa League matches (4 wins and 4 draws).
- No more than three goals have been scored in 10 of Fenerbahce's last 12 Europa League matches.
- Both teams scored in 6 of the club's last 8 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Fenerbahce (4-4-2)
Irfan Egribayat – Bright Osayi-Samuel, Yusuf Akcicek, Milan Skriniar, Filip Kostic – Fred, Sebastian Szymanski, Dusan Tadic, Sofyan Amrabat – Edin Dzeko, Youssef En-Nesyri.
Defenders Caglar Soyuncu, Jayden Oosterwolde, Rodrigo Becao, and Alexander Djiku, as well as midfielder Ismail Yuksek, will not play due to injuries.
Referee
Sandro Scharer (Switzerland)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 25;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.1;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 25%.
Match Prediction: Anderlecht vs. Fenerbahce
The Belgians reached the Europa League play-offs largely due to their strong home performances. This season, the club has played five home matches in this tournament, winning three and drawing one, with only one loss to Hoffenheim with a score of 3-4. I believe that Anderlecht is capable of winning this match, although it is unlikely they will overturn a three-goal deficit.
Fenerbahce has only won one of their last five away matches in the Europa League, with two losses and two draws. With a three-goal lead, the Turks will be more focused on avoiding unnecessary yellow cards and not losing players to injuries, which the hosts might capitalize on. It's also worth noting that the opponents met in this European competition in 2018, with the Turks winning at home (2-0) and a 2-2 draw in Belgium. Therefore, my prediction is Anderlecht with a handicap (0).
