Club Brugge lose feathers against Racing Genk

The vice-champion welcomed the champion of the Jupiler Pro Football League for the sixth day, Sunday early afternoon.

The first provisional place was promised to the Brugees in case of victory. But if the new team of Philippe Clement logically led against the former, it was ultimately conceded a draw, 1-1, and even skirted the defeat. The Standard (12 points) will remain in the lead, whatever the result of Clasico at Lotto Park (at 18 hours). Brugge (11 points) is second and Genk (10 points), fifth.

Blauw zwart took things in their hands from the start, but failed to overwhelm Felice Mazzu's well-organized troops. Nevertheless, the visiting fans were still very scared, when a shot by David Okereke that no one had seen leaving, crashed against the stake in the third minute.

Genk goalkeeper Gaëtan Coucke was then in the right place to block Ruud Vormer's dispatch in the 19th, Genk showing himself for the first time dangerous on the counter-attack. The exchanges were then balanced, and Simon Mignolet was finally solicited by Junya Ito at the 37th. A corner kick led Mbwana Samatta by a header, but over the cage after having overcome Brandon Mechele. Simon Deli was more accurate in winning a Vormer free-kick in the 41st.

The video assistance (VAR) apparently checked that he did not rely on Sebastien Dewaest, but it was not the case (1-0). The fault of Joseph Paintsil on Clinton Mata sanctioned by Erik Lambrechts will however surely be quite commented. Coucke was saved by the crossbar on a lob Vormer at the resumption (47th), Genk thus escaping k.o. This was again the case in the next minute, as Okereke failed to exploit a gold service from his captain.

Dieumerci Ndongala who had just replaced Paintsil, could and had equalized in the 64th. This, however, was only a partial surrender. A foul by Hans Vanaken on Samatta led to a free kick by Bryan Heynen, who finished his race at the bottom of the net from Mignolet via Dewaest (1-1, 67). Genk had the wind in its sails, but Samatta did not convert a perfect center of Casper De Norre, his crossed head passing by (82nd).