Brussels, Belgium — Union beat KRC Genk 1-0 on May 3, 2025, in a crucial Jupiler Pro League match, denting Genk’s title hopes.
The game was intense, with Union’s Christian Burgess scoring the only goal in the 67th minute. The match took a turn when Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of Genk received a red card early in the second half.
Even after dominating possession in the first half, Genk couldn’t capitalize on their chances. Union’s Promise David missed a penalty, which left the first half scoreless at 0-0.
Head coach Thorsten Fink was visibly frustrated on the sidelines, receiving a yellow card as his team struggled to find their rhythm in the second half.
“We need to mentally uplift each other and maintain our performance, even after a rough spell,” said Genk’s Zakaria El Ouahdi post-match.
Following the game, Union moved to the top of the league standings with a bonus point over Club Brugge and six points ahead of Genk, leaving their title aspirations in jeopardy.
The inclusion of Anouar Ait El Hadj for Kamiel Van De Perre and Alessio Castro-Montes for Ousseynou Niang showcased Union’s tactical adjustments that eventually paid off.
“We made the most of our opportunities, especially after the sending-off. Our defense has been solid this season, and we’re aiming for the championship,” Union’s coach Sébastien Pocognoli remarked.
For Genk, the match continued a disappointing trend with only one point from their last five games. Looking ahead, they face an uphill battle to recover as they prepare for their next matches.
“We started strong in the playoff season, but now we have to regroup and focus on the next match,” Fink stated, reflecting on their sudden drop in form.
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