Anderlecht vs Boulogne

Bruno started with a 4-4-2 formation, fielding Danylo Sikan and Mihajlo Cvetković together in attack. Anderlecht created several chances before half-time but lacked a finishing touch, according to reports from the match.

Colin Coosemans was the standout performer in the first period. The goalkeeper fouled a Boulogne attacker to concede a penalty, then redeemed himself by saving the spot-kick — keeping the score level at 0-0 heading into the break.

Bruno made five changes at half-time and switched to a 4-3-3 shape. Another four substitutions followed in the 69th minute as the new coach rotated freely — a standard pre-season pattern. Neither side could break the deadlock in the second half, and the match finished 0-0.

Anderlecht lined up as follows (per anderlecht-online.be):

First half: Coosemans; Maamar, Keita, Biancone, Augustinsson; Nga Kana, Stroeykens, Kana, Bertaccini; Cvetković, Sikan.

Second-half changes: Heekeren for Coosemans (46'), Petrot for Keita (46'), Ndiaye for Augustinsson (46'), Llansana for Bertaccini (46'), Degreef for Sikan (46'); De Ridder for Maamar (69'), Sarr for Biancone (69'), Onia Seke for Nga Kana (69'), Hatenboer for Stroeykens (69'), Van De Ven for Kana (69'), Vazquez for Cvetković (69').

This was Vítor Bruno's first public test since replacing the departed manager at the Belgian Pro League club. The former Porto assistant, appointed in late June, oversaw a squad that created openings but lacked sharpness in front of goal — a common theme for the first friendly of pre-season.

Boulogne, competing in the French Championnat National (third tier), offered organised resistance and will be the more satisfied with the clean sheet away from home.

Colin Coosemans — conceded a penalty but saved it, keeping the score goalless and preventing an early setback in Bruno's first match.

A standard pre-season opener: plenty of rotation, little rhythm, and no goals. Anderlecht's attacking combinations need work before the competitive season begins, but the clean sheet and Coosemans' penalty save were small positives for Vítor Bruno's new-look side.