UEFA Match Day: Opponent Preview

UEFA Match Day: Opponent Preview

Who is Anderlecht?

By Nathan L. Redd

When Fenerbahce takes the pitch later today in UEFA Champions League action, the Turkish champs certainly won't take their opponent lightly. However, Fenerbahce fans may not be completely familiar with the Belgian champions. Who is Anderlecht? Let's take a closer look:

Anderlecht is also known as Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht. The club is located in Brussels, the largest city in Belgium. The club was founded in 1908, and their official colors are purple and white.

Anderlecht's home ground is Constant Vanden Stock Stadium. The capacity of the facility is listed as 26,361. The club plays in the "Jupiler League" - the first division of Belgian futbol. Anderlecht's manager is Frank Vercauteren.

Anderlecht is Belgium's most successful team in history, with 29 championships and five trophies in European competition. The club has been playing in Belgium's first division since the 1935-1936 season, and only twice have they finished outside of the league's top five.

Anderlecht has the most fanatical fanbase in Belgium and routinely lead the league in attendance. The club has 76 regional fan clubs, including one in the United States.

In 2006-2007, Anderlecht qualified for the UEFA Champions League and were faced with a draw of AC Milan, OSC Lille, and AEK Athens. Anderlecht finished with two losses and four draws, finishing in fourth place with four points.

Anderlecht's current squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers:
Daniel Zitka
Silvio Proto
Jan Van Steenbeghe
Davy Schollen

Defenders:
Jelle van Damme
Chiek Tiote
Olivier Descacht
Roland Juhasz
Anthony Vanden Borre
Ofoe Odjidja
Nicolas Pareja

Midfielders:
Christian Leiva
Mbark Boussoufa
Bart Goor
Mark De Man
Yves Vanderhaeghe
Roland Lamah
Ahmed Hassan
Lucas Biglia

Forwards:
Mohamed Tchite
Jonathan Lagaer
Mbo Mpenza
Sami Allajui
Nicolas Frutos
Dieudonné Mbokani Bezua

Fenerbahce and Anderlecht will kickoff the first leg of the UEFA Champions League later today at 21:00 (2 PM EST in the U.S.) from Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Kadikoy.