On upcoming Thursday, the second legs for the round of last 16 in the UEFA Europa League are scheduled. In the duel between two former European Cup winner the Hamburger SV is visiting the Belgian record champions RSC Anderlecht.
In the clash of last Bundesliga weekend Hamburg suffered against Bayer Leverkusen a decent shock. After the 2:4-defeat, the distance to third place adds up to ten points. It seems that the UEFA Europa League for HSV is the last chance to achieve great things again this season. The good starting position (3:1-win in the first leg) should give the necessary security back to the team of coach Bruno Labbadia. Problems are located in the defense: in total goalkeeper Frank Rost conceded in the last five games nine goals.
As undisputed table leader of the Belgian Jupiler League RSC Anderlecht could save its forces in the last home game against KRC Genk (2-0). Currently, the lead on the first runners-up spot placed side, FC Bruges, is comfortable twelve points. In this year's European Cup season, the Belgian record champions remained unbeaten in all home games except the match against Dinamo Zagreb (0:1). Especially the unexpected victory against Athletic Bilbao was impressing (4:0). Hopes now rest in particular to returnee Mbark Boussoufa, who was absent in the first leg through injury. The only 1.65-m offense allrounder comes from the legendary youth academy of Ajax Amsterdam and was two years under contract at FC Chelsea.
RSC Anderlecht vs. Hamburger SV
UEFA Europe League - Round of 16, second leg
Thursday, 18th of March 2010, 21:05 CET
Stade Constant Vanden Stock, Brussels
First leg:
HSV - RSC Anderlecht 3:1 (2:1)
Goals: 1:0 Joris Mathijsen (23'), 2:0 Ruud van Nistelrooy (40'), 2:1 Jonathan Legear (44'), 3:1 David Jarolim (76')
Tip: Win for Anderlecht
The best odd for our tip 1 is currently 2.40 at expekt.