Blue and Black triumphed after a spectacular visit to KRC Genk 3-5 and, together with Union Sint-Gillis (41 points), are at the top of the standings, although the Brussels team will play against basement team Cercle Brugge later on Friday (4 p.m.). KRC Genk (25 points) is seventh. The match was all about Nicky Hayen, who celebrated his debut as Genk coach against his ex-club.
First half
After a study round of about fifteen minutes, Club took the lead when Hugo Vetlesen (13.) cleverly curled the ball into the far corner after a rehearsed number on the corner kick. Less than ten minutes later it became completely silent in the Cegeka Arena. Christos Tzolis served Romeo Vermant (22) on the counterattack, who scored the 0-2. With the tying goal, Yira Sor (24.) gave Genk hope again. Just before half time, Hans Vanaken (43.), after a clever combination with Vermant and Vetlesen, widened the gap to 1-3.
Second half
Through Daan Heymans (51.), Genk fought back into the match early after the break (2-3). The Limburgers smelled blood and equalized (3-3) via Junya Ito (76.). Aleksandar Stankovic (80.) provided the Bruges lead again with a wonderful curl (3-4). Genk wanted a penalty for Hugo Siquet’s handball, but referee Lawrence Visser did not budge. Substitute Cisse Sandra (90.+3) delivered the final blow and posted the final score shortly after coming on as a substitute.
Trainer carousel
The coaching carousel is running at full speed this season in the Jupiler Pro League. Last Monday, Genk appointed Hayen as successor to Thorsten Fink, who was dismissed the week before. The Limburger immediately took on a new challenge, shortly after his dismissal from Club Brugge on December 8.
After the 20th match day, the belt can be taken off for the first division. The Jupiler Pro League resumes with the 21st matchday on Friday, January 16, with a match between Club Brugge and RAAL La Louvière. Genk travels to Zulte Waregem the next day. Just before, on Tuesday, January 13, Blauw Zwart will travel to Charleroi in the quarter-finals of the Belgian Cup.