Anderlecht's European debut against Hammarby looms with a week left

In Stockholm's cold twilight, the purple‑white of RSC Anderlecht line up for their first European clash, a week away, against Sweden's Hammarby. The fixture arrives just four days after the World Cup final and ahead of the Belgian Supercup, raising the stakes.

Within exactly one week, RSCA and fellow Belgian side Gent will kick off the domestic season, becoming the first clubs from Belgium to do so. Both clubs will therefore set the early tempo for the Belgian campaign.

The timing places their league opener before the Belgian Supercup, a rare scheduling quirk. It also follows the World Cup final by merely four days, underscoring a tight calendar.

Anderlecht's upcoming European encounter pits them against Hammarby, marking the Belgian side's first continental test of the season. The match will be played under the European competition banner, adding pressure to avoid early disappointment.

Hammarby must not repeat the fate of Häcken, a reminder of past European setbacks. A new European embarrassment is explicitly ruled out by the club's ambitions.

The question now is whether the purple‑white can rise to the occasion. Supporters are invited to judge the team's readiness as the kickoff approaches.