AMSTERDAM – Sacha Kljestan and Anderlecht had a tough Wednesday night, dropping the first leg of their Champions League playoff-round tie 2-1 at Cypriot side AEL Limassol.
The US international went the distance in midfield, drawing a save from distance moments before Dosa Júnior opened the scoring in the 34th minute.
A terrific individual effort from Dieumerci Mbokani knotted the game just past the hour, but Rui Miguel hit the AEL winner only 10 minutes later. The scene switches to Brussels for the deciding match on Aug. 29.
Meanwhile, Israeli holders Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Belarusian outfit BATE Borisov without injured midfielder Bryan Gerzicich.
