Genk Clinch Europa League Round of 16 Spot after Dramatic Extra-Time Triumph over Dinamo Zagreb

Written by Pavel Kateliev

Pavel Kateliev is a popular sport journalist, particularly in the fields of football, basketball, tennis, and hockey. He writes daily for Sportingpedia and his work has been translated into at least 20 languages and featured on renowned outlets such as BBC, Yahoo, MCN, Sun, and Evening News, in Italian, English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

, | Updated: February 27, 2026

Dinamo Zagreb player trying to cross the ball during the return leg with Genk

Key Takeaways:

Genk advanced to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 for the first time in nine years after a 3-3 draw against Dinamo Zagreb secured a 6-4 aggregate win
The Belgian side scored twice in extra time after a fiercely contested 90 minutes left the tie level on aggregate
Dinamo Zagreb finished the match with 10 men after Luka Stojkovic was sent off following a VAR review in extra time

First-Half Drama Sets the Tone

Having lost 3-1 in the first leg, Dinamo Zagreb arrived in Belgium knowing a rapid response was necessary. Miha Zajc nearly provided it with an early attempt that was deflected just wide, followed by a Mounsef Bakrar effort that whistled the wrong side of the upright. Bruno Goda then rattled the crossbar from distance as Dinamo pressed for an opener.

Genk threatened at the other end, with Daan Heymans forcing an excellent stop from Tobias Lawal and Yira Sor missing a promising chance. However, it would be Bakrar who broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, capitalising on a calamitous pass from Lawal to give the visitors a crucial lead and close the aggregate gap.

Memorable European night 😍 The journey continues 🔥💙 #mijnploeg #UEL pic.twitter.com/pEqFCEyBJ4
— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) February 26, 2026

Action-Packed Second Half Forces Extra Time

Galvanised by a rousing team talk from Nicky Hayen, Genk found their rhythm early in the second period. Within six minutes, Yira Sor made up for his earlier miss by curling a superb equaliser after a well-timed assist from Bryan Heynen. Heymans then curled an effort narrowly wide as Genk pressed on.

Dinamo responded when Junya Ito tripped Gabriel Vidovic in the area, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Luka Stojkovic calmly converted to restore Dinamo’s lead on the night. Genk pressed for parity, with Robin Mirisola and Sor both denied by Dominik Livakovic in quick succession.

Dinamo levelled the aggregate score at 4-4 courtesy of a stunning 25-yard strike from Stojkovic, sending the match into extra time after a goalless final spell of regulation.

Genk Make the Breakthrough in Extra Time

After a tense start to extra time, Genk reclaimed the initiative when Junya Ito timed his run onto Nikolas Sattlberger’s through ball and, with the aid of a deflection off Matteo Pérez Vinlöf, restored the hosts’ aggregate advantage. Dinamo’s challenge faded further after VAR intervened, showing Stojkovic a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident involving Matte Smets.

Genk capitalised on their numerical superiority and sealed the victory with six minutes left as Jarne Steuckers broke forward and laid it on for Daan Heymans, who netted his fourth goal of the Europa League campaign to secure a 3-3 draw on the night and a 6-4 triumph overall.