FC Shakhtar Donetsk 3 - 1 Anderlecht: Shakhtar Donetsk build healthy advantage against Anderlecht

Posted Friday, March 11, 2016 by PA

Shakhtar Donetsk kept their Europa League dreams alive with a 3-1 win over Anderlecht in the last-16 clash on Thursday evening.

First-half goals from Taison and Oleksandr Kucher gave the home side the edge in the first leg at the Arena Lviv.

Anderlecht fought back in the second half, Frank Acheampong pulling a goal back, but Eduardo Da Silva sealed the win.

Shakhtar scored two goals in three first-half minutes, Taison getting the opener after Anderlecht failed to clear the ball and he found the left corner of the net.

The home side doubled their lead when Kucher got on the end of Darijo Srna's cross.

Anderlecht picked up the pace in the second half and got an important away goal.

Coach Besnik Hasi brought Ibrahima Conte on and he was immediately thrust into the action, getting down the right wing before crossing to Acheampong, who was on hand to bundle the ball in the back of the net from a few yards out.

The game became more frenzied but Da Silva struck decisively with 10 minutes to go. His powerful header was too much for Anderlecht goalkeeper Silvio Proto, who could not react in time.

Anderlecht thought they had got one back with three minutes to go but referee Artur Soraes Dias ruled it out and booked defender Kara Mbodji for handling the ball into the net.