Sacha Kljestan: Benfica v Anderlecht in UCL (9/17 - 1:45 Central)

Brian Sciaretta ‏@BrianSciaretta2h
After group stage exit in 2012, Sacha Kljestan told me he expects Anderlecht to advance to #ucl knockouts this year. Away vs. Benfica today

 

Not sure if I'm gonna watch this because I'm sure Benfica is going to kick their asses.

 

I'll watch for you... I'm really interested to see if Kljestan quality has improved.... The more pressure the better.

 

Ouch, Anderlecht have conceded an early goal.

 

I take it no Freddy Adu for Benfinca

 

Goalkeeping gaffe gifts Benfica an early goal

 

2-0 Anderlecht's backline looking terrible

 

Anderlecht is getting totally dominated so far after one half. Benfica is hard pressing them up the field to the point where Anderlecht can't pass the ball out of their half and have to resort to back basses to their GK who long kicks it up field. That is not Anderlecht's game, they are a tika taka passing team. Anderlecht can't get enough possession to get their style started.

If this continues, it will be a long and ugly day for Sacha and company.

 

Boy Anderlecht's passing/defense out of the back leaves a lot to be desired

 

Based on the commentator, Anderlecht has a lot of youngsters starting. I wonder if Sacha is one of the most experienced players on the team today.

 

Yes.. a few teenagers and a bunch of early 20's

The average age of the 10 field players in the starting XI was 23.4. For most of the second half with a sub of a teenager, the average age of the field players dropped to 22.6.

That's quite young for a road Champions League game

 

Was this a bit of strategy? Or are they thin with injuries/suspensions?