Antwerp dominated the start of the match, but did not take advantage of its highlight. Unlike Genk, who scored at the end of the first period and at the start of the second to take cover against the Great Old and win the honorary title of autumn champion.
This is the big shock of this first round of the classic phase which took place this Sunday, at the Cegeka Arena, as part of the 13th day of the Pro League. Racing Genk, solid leader, welcomes its runner-up, Antwerp. The Limburgers can, in the event of victory, grant themselves the honorary title of autumn champion.
However, it was Antwerp who took control of the ball in the first minutes. However, the opportunities are very rare, as the game is choppy, the intensity very present and the duels incessant. The Great Old enjoys a slight territorial domination, but without really worrying a Van Crombrugge affected after five minutes following contact with El Ouahdi’s knee, but quickly back on his feet after a quick “anti-concussion” test.
This is why Genk is leader of the championship
It was in the last quarter of an hour of this first period that the match really began to settle down, this time with Genk in control. Steuckers overflows on the right flank and finds a well-placed Tolu, but Alderweireld makes a defensive comeback worthy of his best years (38th).
Addition time will only be one minute and we seem to be heading towards a draw at halftime when Kayembe accelerates the game for Steuckers. The attacking midfielder finds Tolu in the area, who intelligently hits his chest for Hrosovsky from the second line. His cross shot is intelligent, the goal is superb collectively, Genk takes the advantage at the best moment (1-0, 45+1) and knew how to take advantage of its highlight, unlike Antwerp.
Thorsten Fink’s players now have the match in hand, and are not going to let go. Especially since Antwerp is further and further from the ball carrier, falling further and further behind in the duels. Genk accelerates via Bonsu Baah, Tolu, then with a movement initiated by Kayembe on the left. Once again, Antwerp’s defense is much too far away, his combination with Hrosovsky is precise, the Slovak scores his second goal of the afternoon (2-0, 54th).
Number 1 never again gives the impression of being able to worry the leader, who establishes his domination at the top of the championship by meritoriously claiming his runner-up. Genk, once again becoming the best attack in the championship by overtaking Mechelen, is now seven lengths ahead of Club Brugge and eight ahead of Antwerp two days before the end of the first round of the classic phase.
Related News :