Winners of the Svenska Cupen Hacken had achieved a 3-2 aggregate victory over Spartak Trnava from Slovakia in the First Qualifying Round a week prior, but were aware that a tougher challenge awaited them against the record Belgian champions.
That was how the opening moments unfolded - Mario Stroeykens and Nilson Angulo were posing threats for the home team, until Kasper Dolberg missed a significant opportunity by shooting over the bar with 13 minutes played.
Once the early pressure was weathered, Hacken managed to create their own chances despite being outplayed in possession, and twice the Anderlecht defense had to support their goalkeeper.
Initially, Simon Gustafson had a header from a corner saved off the line, and moments later, Severin Nioulesaw his shot from the edge of the box well denied.
However, just as the Getingarna were finding their footing in the match, they fell behind. Ten minutes before halftime, a loose ball found Dolberg at the edge of the box, and he struck it into the bottom corner, out of reach of Etrit Berisha.
After the interval, Hacken's defense effectively neutralized the Anderlecht attack, and it wasn't until ten minutes remained that Thorgan Hazard managed to fend off challenges to take the Purple & White's first shot on target of the second half, only for Berisha to tip it away at full stretch.
Before that, Nioule, Marius Lode and Mikkel Rygaard all had chances for the visitors, but none forced Colin Coosemans to make a save.
Anderlecht will carry a 1-0 advantage to Gothenburg for the second leg next Thursday, with a spot in the Third Qualifying Round and a matchup against either Red Bull Salzburg or Brann at stake.
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