Racing Genk suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Anderlecht in the Croky Cup, losing 1-3 after extra time. The match, held on December 4, 2025, saw Genk initially dominate, with Kos Karetsas scoring a stunning goal in the 24th minute to give the home side a deserved lead.
Genk's Dominance Not Enough
Genk controlled the first half, showcasing impressive teamwork and relentless attacking prowess. Karetsas, in particular, was a standout performer, terrorising the Anderlecht defence with his speed and skill. Adedeji-Sternberg, El Ouahdi, and Heymans also played crucial roles in Genk's dominance, creating numerous opportunities.
However, Anderlecht emerged a different team after the break. Despite Genk's attempts to extend their lead through counter-attacks, Anderlecht found an equaliser in the 82nd minute through Bertaccini, against the run of play, forcing the game into extra time.
Anderlecht Snatch Victory in Extra Time
The turning point came in extra time when Thorgan Hazard converted a penalty in the 107th minute, giving Anderlecht the lead. Kanaté then sealed the victory with a late goal in the 126th minute, completing Anderlecht's comeback and leaving Genk devastated.
Reactions from the Genk Camp
Genk players expressed their disappointment after the match. Heynen lamented the missed opportunities and the frustration of not securing the crucial second goal. Smets echoed this sentiment, stating that the match was firmly in Genk's control and that they should have capitalised on their chances. He emphasized the need to move forward and focus on the upcoming league match against Antwerp.
Despite the defeat, Genk will look to take the positives from their performance and build on their strong showing in the league. The focus now shifts to their upcoming match against Antwerp, where they will aim to bounce back and continue their push for a top spot.