The second leg of the 2024/25 Europa League playoff between Anderlecht (Belgium) and Fenerbahce (Turkey) will take place on February 20 at Lotto Park in Brussels. The first match ended 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 last time the club lost heavily in the Europa League was in 2011, when Ajax defeated them in both playoff matches. Notably, Anderlecht has now lost three consecutive matches in this tournament. Interestingly, such a losing streak in regular time has only occurred for the second time in this European competition. To advance further in the tournament, Anderlecht needs to defeat 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 were scored in 7 of Anderlecht's last 9 Europa League matches.
- The team has not won the first half in six of their last home matches in this tournament (5 draws and 1 defeat).
Predicted lineup for Anderlecht (4-3-3)
Colin Coosemans – Adrielson, 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 even with a loss by no more than two goals. It's worth noting that the club hasn't achieved a significant victory in this tournament since August 2022. They also ended a three-match winless streak in this tournament (2 draws and 1 defeat).
- The Istanbul side has not lost in this European competition in 8 of their last 10 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 games 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 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%.
Anderlecht vs. Fenerbahce: Match Prediction
The Belgians managed to reach the Europa League playoffs largely thanks to their strong home performances. This season, the club has played five home matches in this tournament, winning three, drawing one, and losing only to Hoffenheim 3-4. I believe Anderlecht is capable of winning this match, but it's unlikely they will overcome a three-goal deficit.
Fenerbahce has won only one of their last five away matches in the Europa League, suffering two defeats and drawing twice. The Turks, with a three-goal advantage, will focus more on avoiding unnecessary yellow cards and not losing players to injuries, which the hosts might exploit. Additionally, in 2018, the opponents met in this European competition, with the Turks winning at home (2-0) and drawing in Belgium (2-2). Therefore, my prediction is: Anderlecht with a handicap (0)
