Anderlecht Prepares for Europa League Draw as Pitch Issues Resolved

RSC Anderlecht will begin its new season with the Europa League second‑qualifying‑round draw on Thursday, where it is set to face Swedish side Hammarby IF. The club is wary of a potential tough draw that could see it up against clubs such as Rangers, Benfica, Besiktas, PAOK or Midtjylland in later rounds.

Earlier concerns arose over the condition of the grass at Lotto Park after a recent renovation and a period of extreme heat and heavy rain delayed regrowth. Anderlecht invested about €1.3 million in a new surface, drainage and heating, and experts now expect the pitch to be playable by 30 July, saying, "De grasmat zal niet perfect zijn, maar wel bespeelbaar." The club has therefore ruled out moving the match to an alternative stadium.