Anderlecht striker Adriano Bertaccini placed under speaking ban after match-winning goal

Adriano Bertaccini secured a late victory for Anderlecht against Cercle Brugge, scoring a header in extra time to seal a 2-1 win. Despite the match-winning performance, the club imposed a speaking ban on the 26-year-old striker, preventing him from addressing the media regarding his goal or his recent status within the team.

Bertaccini, who joined Anderlecht from STVV in 2025, had seen his playing time diminish significantly following the arrival of Tawfik Bentayeb. His goal ended a period of inactivity that stretched back to August. While the club did not communicate a specific reason for the restriction, Bertaccini was only able to offer a brief, apologetic response to journalists.

Following the match, Anderlecht coach Vitor Bruno expressed satisfaction with the result. Teammate Marten Winkler defended the striker, noting that Bertaccini works hard in training and deserved the decisive moment. On the opposing side, Cercle Brugge captain Hannes van der Bruggen described the loss as a blow, noting that his team controlled much of the match but failed to capitalize on their opportunities.