Sikan strikes again as Anderlecht sweep past Hammarby, set up PAOK showdown

Anderlecht powered into the third qualifying round of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League with a commanding 3-1 home win over Hammarby on Thursday, completing a 4-2 aggregate victory. Ukrainian striker Danylo Sikan once again proved decisive. After scoring a free-kick in the first leg in Stockholm, the 25-year-old found the net for the second consecutive match, this time on 48 minutes in Brussels. His strike doubled Anderlecht's lead after a tight first half that ended 1-0. Vitor Bruno's side never looked back. They added a third goal before Hammarby pulled one back, but the result was never in doubt. Anderlecht's disciplined performance ensured progression. Next up for the Belgian club is PAOK, the Greek side that knocked out Dynamo Kyiv in the previous round. With Sikan in red-hot form, Anderlecht will fancy their chances of advancing further in the competition.