Anderlecht welcome Hammarby on Thursday, July 30, 2026, for the return leg of their Europa League qualifying tie. The contest remains finely balanced after a 1-1 draw on July 23, when the teams produced 20 attempts between them. Anderlecht took an early lead through Danylo Sikan, but the dismissal of Nathan Saliba in the 78th minute changed the closing stages and Frank Adjei eventually equalised for Hammarby. With neither side holding an aggregate advantage, the second meeting offers everything to play for. Their recent numbers also point towards another active encounter: Anderlecht have conceded in 17 consecutive matches, while Hammarby have scored at least once in 25 of their previous 27 fixtures.

Anderlecht Recent Form and Key Statistics

Anderlecht are attempting to return to the main draw of a European competition for the first time since participating in the 2022-23 Conference League. They entered these qualifiers after finishing fourth in the Belgian Pro League last season, and their first Europa League result of the new campaign left them with a record of one draw from one match. Their average in the competition currently stands at 1.0 goal scored and 1.0 conceded per game.
The Purple and Whites made an excellent start to the first leg, with Sikan finding the net inside six minutes. However, they were unable to protect that advantage through to the final whistle. After Saliba received a red card, the pressure increased and Hammarby struck late to level the tie. That ending will have been particularly frustrating for Anderlecht after they had led for most of the contest.
Across their last five matches, the hosts have collected two wins, two draws and one defeat. They have averaged 1.6 goals scored and 1.8 conceded during that sequence, illustrating both their ability to create chances and the defensive issues that have prevented greater consistency. Most significantly, Anderlecht have allowed at least one goal in each of their last 17 matches.
The broader scoring trends surrounding the home side are equally notable. Their previous 13 matches have all contained more than 1.5 total goals, while each of their last seven home fixtures has produced more than 3.5. Only two of their previous 10 home games ended without a goal, and 18 of their last 20 matches featured at least one second-half goal. These figures suggest that Anderlecht games have regularly remained open and eventful after the interval.

Hammarby Recent Form and Key Statistics

Hammarby finished second in the Allsvenskan for the second consecutive season and are looking to progress further than they did in the previous campaign, when their Conference League qualifying run ended in the third round against Rosenborg. They arrive for the second leg with the tie level and with an unbeaten sequence that provides a solid platform for this demanding away fixture.
In the opening meeting, Hammarby recorded 56% possession and 13 shots, seven of which were on target. They had to wait until the closing stages to make that pressure count, but Adjei delivered the equaliser that ensured they would travel for the return leg without an aggregate deficit. Their first result in this season’s Europa League therefore matches Anderlecht’s record: one draw, with averages of 1.0 goal scored and 1.0 conceded.
The visitors followed that European fixture with another 1-1 draw, this time against Brommapojkarna on July 26. They are now unbeaten in six matches across all competitions, with four victories and two draws. Looking specifically at their latest five outings, Hammarby have registered three wins and two draws while averaging 2.0 goals scored and only 0.6 conceded per game.
Hammarby’s attacking consistency is one of the central features of this matchup. They have scored in 25 of their last 27 matches, and each of their previous 10 fixtures has contained more than 1.5 total goals. Second-half action has also been exceptionally common: 35 of their last 36 games produced at least one goal after the break. The same pattern applies on their travels, with a second-half goal occurring in 18 of their previous 20 away matches.

Anderlecht vs Hammarby Match Analysis

The first leg demonstrated how little separates Anderlecht and Hammarby. Anderlecht struck early and held their advantage for much of the match, while Hammarby enjoyed more possession and registered 13 of the game’s 20 shots. The late equaliser means that neither team can rely on a lead heading into Thursday’s return fixture.
Anderlecht’s home role may encourage them to pursue another assertive start, but their defensive record leaves little margin for error. Conceding in 17 consecutive matches has repeatedly forced the Purple and Whites to respond at the other end. Their recent home fixtures have also been high-scoring, with the last seven all going beyond 3.5 total goals.
Hammarby, meanwhile, bring stronger short-term results into the contest. Their unbeaten six-match run and average of two goals across the last five games show that they have been productive going forward. Scoring in 25 of 27 matches further underlines the regularity with which they have found a route to goal. At the same time, the first leg showed that they may need patience before creating a decisive opening.
The timing trends could become particularly relevant as the tie develops. Both teams have frequently been involved in matches featuring goals after half-time: that has happened in 18 of Anderlecht’s last 20 games and 35 of Hammarby’s previous 36. With the aggregate score locked at 1-1, the second half may once again carry considerable importance. Anderlecht’s recurring high totals and Hammarby’s sustained attacking form provide the main statistical themes for a closely balanced Europa League qualifier.