Cheap penalty too much for weak Anderlecht

GAMES Anderlecht suffered a 2-1 defeat against Genk. The loss was not undeserved, but the controversial penalty awarded to Genk late in the game left a bitter taste. Genk took the lead early on, with Anderlecht only threatening after the break through Amuzu hitting the post. Despite Dreyer equalizing, a contentious penalty sealed Anderlecht's fate. The defeat sees Genk re-enter the title race, while Anderlecht must now focus on their upcoming matches against Cercle.

In a weak performance during the first half, Anderlecht struggled against a strong Genk. Despite some chances, including a shot from Augustinsson, Anderlecht failed to make an impact. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Genk, with Anderlecht lucky not to concede more.

Anderlecht improved slightly in the second half, with Dreyer scoring a brilliant goal to level the score. However, a controversial penalty decision against Sardella allowed Genk to take the lead again. Despite late efforts, Anderlecht failed to find an equalizer, resulting in their second away defeat in the playoffs.

Genk's victory puts them back in the title race, while Anderlecht must regroup for their upcoming matches. The final score was 2-1, with goals from Arokodare, Dreyer, and Zeqiri from the penalty spot.

Genk's lineup included Vandevoordt, McKenzie, Sadick, Cuesta, El Ouahdi, Galarza, Fadera, El Khannouss, Hrosovsky, Ait El Hadj, and Arokodare.
Anderlecht's lineup featured Schmeichel, Sardella, Gattoni, Vertonghen, Augustinsson, Rits, Leoni, Stroeykens, Amuzu, Dreyer, and Dolberg.
Yellow cards were shown to Amuzu and Galarza.

Source: © Internal source