Key Takeaways:
- Genk secured a 2:0 away victory against Utrecht in the 7th round of the main phase of the Europa League
- The match was delayed by nearly an hour after Genk supporters were removed due to ticketing and security breaches
- With this win, Genk guaranteed a playoff place, accumulating 13 points and sitting 10th in the standings
Eventful Start Overshadowed by Fan Incidents
Genk’s encounter with Utrecht in the seventh round of the Europa League’s main phase commenced under peculiar circumstances. The Belgian club’s supporters were expelled from the stadium after a significant number forced entry without tickets or passing through security checks for forbidden items, causing a near hour-long delay before kick-off. Despite the absence of their fans, Genk remained unfazed and focused on the pitch.
On to the next round in the Europa League and we’re hungry for more 💪💙#UEL pic.twitter.com/giOrbYq1LY
— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) January 22, 2026
Match Overview and Key Moments
The turning point arrived in the 54th minute when Zakaria El Ouahdi tried his luck from distance. Utrecht’s goalkeeper struggled to keep out the shot, allowing the ball to cross the line and hand Genk the lead. The Belgian outfit cemented their control late in the game: in the 83rd minute, Souffian El Karouani conceded a penalty, which Daan Heymans confidently converted to make it 2:0 and put the score beyond doubt.
League Table Impact
Genk’s composed performance ensured all three points were theirs, taking their total to 13 and lifting them to 10th place in the standings. With this tally, Genk simultaneously locked in a spot in the playoffs and remain well-positioned in the chase for a top-eight finish. Meanwhile, Utrecht’s struggles continued—they remain in 34th place with just a single point earned to date.
| Team | Score | Goal Scorers | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utrecht | 0 | – | 1 | 34th |
| Genk | 2 | Zakaria El Ouahdi (54’), Daan Heymans (83’ pen.) | 13 | 10th |
