Anderlecht take home 33rd Belgian football league title

Anderlecht won their third consecutive Belgian football league title yesterday – their 33rd overall – with a 3-1 win over Lokeren on the final day of the season. The victory gave the Brussels club a two-point edge over runners-up Standard Liège, with third-placed Club Brugge a further point behind.

The title marks a dramatic turnaround for Anderlecht coach Besnik Hasi, who took charge after John van den Brom was fired in March following a ninth league defeat of the season. Anderlecht finished the 30-game regular season in third place, 10 points behind leaders Standard and six adrift of Brugge. But their final surge in the 10-match play-offs ensured they leapfrogged their rivals to the title.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s uncapped winger Adnan Januzaj has been named in Belgium’s squad for the World Cup, one of 12 England-based players in Marc Wilmots’ 24-man selection. The 19-year-old, born in Brussels to Kosovan-Albanian parents, could have played for Kosovo, Albania, Turkey, Serbia or even England, but opted for Belgium.

Januzaj is joined by United team-mate Marouane Fellaini, Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen, Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen, Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and Everton’s Kevin Mirallas. Others include goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Toby Alderweireld of Spanish champions and Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich’s Daniel Van Buyten. Belgium start their campaign against Group B opponents Algeria on 17 June. They face Russia on 22 June and South Korea on 26 June.

Photo: Facebook/RSC Anderlecht