Easy win for Genk at Lotto Park

GAMES Anderlecht deservedly lost with 0-2 against a strong Genk. Anderlecht could never really make a fist against the leader who not only set the tempo, but also chose his moments well. Anderlecht could again hardly create any real chances and it was behind the times the whole match. The World Cup put Purple and White out of its misery for a while, but without a famous sporting reinforcement, we shouldn't expect too much from this core even after the World Cup, no matter who would be coach.


No question of an exploratory round. Genk immediately pressed with high pressure which resulted in a good chance for Trésor after five minutes. Verschaeren also got a chance, even though he could not strike in an ideal position. A more threatening Genk opened the scoring in minute 18 through top marksman Onuachu who before that had decided just wide. The big Nigerian snuck centrally in front of Debast and slid in goal "easily. Anderlecht did try, but Genk played faster, more direct and quicker. Amuzu once faintly kicked at goal after half an hour. Especially on the right, Genk got free play which resulted in the quick substitution of N'Diaey who had also grabbed yellow.

Just before halftime, play was briefly halted after Bengal fire was lit in a box of Anderlecht supporters. They were smart enough not to throw it on the pitch this time. Anderlecht could not complain with a 0-1 halftime score.

After halftime, Genk kept putting high pressure which resulted in doubling the score. Without realizing it, Arteaga tapped the ball into the goal via his leg. The Mexican was barely covered at the far post by Verschaeren. Genk then backed off a bit, which resulted in a chance for Verschaeren, but Vandervoordt reacted quickly.

The game dragged on until Genk suddenly found themselves down to ten men fifteen minutes before time. During a breakaway, Arteaga brought down Silva. Van Driessche drew a somewhat surprising red because Silva was still very far from the goal and Genk players were still approaching. Murillo ventured his chance, but his shot was too weak. At the other end, Van Crombrugge had to stretch after a Paintsil slider. Ten minutes before time, Silva tried from a very sharp angle, but Vandervoordt saved again. Anderlecht provided a little more pressure, but presumably could have continued to play into 2023 before scoring. Genk leaned upright in the armchair and effortlessly reached the final signal with ten men.

Anderlecht closed this historically bad outward round with yet another defeat. Against Genk, the difference with the league leader became clear. After the World Cup, Anderlecht will soon know if there is anything left to save this season. Then it will play at Genk for the cup and must immediately set a series in the league. The program immediately looks very heavy with matches at Charleroi, at home against Union and at Club Brugge. Regardless of who is coach by then, without a solid sporting injection (especially up front) that seems to us an impossible task. This weak and too young Anderlecht is justifiably in the right-hand column.

Score: 0-2
Goal(s): 0-1 Onuachu 18', 0-2 Arteaga 52'

Anderlecht: Van Crombrugge, Sadiki (Lissens 72'), Debast, Delcroix, N'Diaye (Murillo 34'), Trebel (Stroeykens 64'), Arnstad, Amuzu (Raman 71'), Verschaeren, Refaelov (Ashimeru 64'), Silva
KRC Genk: Vandevoordt, McKenzie, Arteaga, Munoz, Cuesta, Hrosovsky, Heynen, El Khannouss (Galarza 72'), Paintsil (Samatta 88'), Trésor (Preciado 77'), Onuachu (Németh 88')

Yellow: Hrosovsky 14', N'Diaye 24', Cuesta 27', Trebel 45+2', McKenzie 86'
Red: Arteaga 74'

Referee: Bram Van Driessche
Stadium: Lotto Park