Crystal Palace Under-21s suffered a 4-1 loss to RSC Anderlecht at Sutton’s 360 Engage Stadium on Wednesday evening, leaving them third in Premier League International Cup Group D on goal difference. The Young Eagles remain level on three points with Brighton and Anderlecht, who moved to the top of the group with their victory.
Palace made a difficult start, conceding to Enzo Sternal during Anderlecht’s first attack. Terry Van De Ven then doubled the visitors’ advantage before Sternal struck again shortly before half-time, giving the Belgian side a 3-0 lead at the interval.
Darren Powell’s side responded impressively after the restart. Palace controlled possession, repeatedly tested the Anderlecht defence and created several opportunities through Amaari Sealey, Adler Nascimento, Seb Williams, Kaden Kporha and substitute David Angibaud. Anderlecht goalkeeper Kamiel Timmermans was forced into a series of important saves as the Young Eagles pressed for a way back into the contest.
Palace’s pressure eventually produced a goal in the 85th minute, when George King reacted quickest to a dangerous corner and fired into the net. The hosts continued to search for a second goal, but Anderlecht were awarded a late penalty during stoppage time, with Alexander De Ridder converting to complete the scoring.
The result came after Palace had opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. Powell’s team will now switch focus to Premier League 2, with a trip to Leeds United scheduled for Sunday at 12:00 BST.
