Anderlecht Women 2-1 Lens Women: Pre-Season Friendly Ends in Narrow Win

Anderlecht Women edged out Lens Women 2-1 in an international club friendly on 29 July 2026, with goals in either half proving enough to secure the victory. The match, played behind closed doors at the RSCA Training Complex in Neerpede, served as a key preparation fixture for both sides ahead of their respective league campaigns in Belgium and France.

Match Overview

The Belgian hosts started brightly, dominating possession through their midfield trio. Lens, competing in the French Division 1 Féminine for the first time after promotion, looked organised defensively but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Anderlecht's high press forced several turnovers, and it was from one such moment that the opening goal arrived.

Key Moments

• 23' – Anderlecht take the lead. A long ball from goalkeeper Lisa Minnaert finds winger Jana Vermeiren, who cuts inside and fires low into the far corner.
• 44' – Lens equalise just before the break. A corner kick is met by centre-back Camille Dubois, whose header loops over the Anderlecht keeper.
• 67' – The winner. Substitute Marie Lecoq latches onto a through ball from Elise Wullaert and calmly slots past the onrushing Lens goalkeeper.

Tactical Story

Anderlecht lined up in a 4-2-3-1, looking to exploit the wide areas with pace. Lens countered with a compact 4-4-2, aiming to absorb pressure and hit on the break. The Belgian side's full-backs pushed high, leaving them exposed to counters—Lens's equaliser came from a set piece, the most dangerous threat they posed. Anderlecht's midfield control in the second half, particularly after the introduction of Lecoq, tipped the balance.

Standout Performers

• Jana Vermeiren (Anderlecht) – Opened the scoring with a composed finish and was a constant threat on the right flank.
• Marie Lecoq (Anderlecht) – The substitute scored the winner and showed sharp movement in the box.
• Camille Dubois (Lens) – Scored the goal and organised the defence well, particularly in the first half.

Context and Preparation

This friendly was part of Anderlecht Women's pre-season schedule as they aim to challenge Standard Liège for the Belgian Women's Super League title. Lens Women, newly promoted to France's top flight, used the match to test themselves against European-level opposition. Several Lens players had only recently returned from the summer break, and head coach Sarah Méresse will be satisfied with the defensive structure despite the defeat. Anderlecht continue their friendly series against PSV Eindhoven Women next weekend, while Lens host Stade de Reims in their final warm-up.