From a corner, however, it was the Union who were very close to opening the score on a phase worked on in training. Puertas found Sadiki, alone at the penalty spot, but his recovery narrowly missed.
In the other rectangle, it took a good intervention from Moris in front of Arokodare, well launched in depth and faster than Burgess, to preserve the zero. Moments later, a powerful strike from Kayembe went wide.
The Unionists’ ratings after the defeat against Genk
In the 27th minute, after a quarter of an hour of calm, Hrosovsky launched Arokodare deep. Anthony Moris had plenty of time to go for the ball before the Limburg striker arrived but misjudged the trajectory and came out too late. In the meantime, the Nigerian had pushed the ball into the back of the net. 1-0 for Genk. This is not the first time that Arokodare has overtaken Burgess. This time he hit the mark.
Once the storm passed, the Union tried to react but Genk’s three-man defense blocked the Brussels offensives well. The score no longer changed at the break.
Genk’s Tolu Toluwalase Arokodare celebrates after scoring during a soccer match between KRC Genk and Royale Union Saint Gilloise , Monday 01 April 2024 in Genk, on day 1 (out of 10) of the Champions’ Play-offs of the 2023-2024 ‘Jupiler Pro League’ first division of the Belgian championship. BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOURs
Genk significantly ahead at the break
During the fourth quarter of an hour, the 22 players engaged in a big battle, especially in midfield. The opportunities were therefore rarer.
In the 61st minute, Nilsson, well launched by Lapoussin, found himself facing Vandevoordt. But his left-footed shot lacked power and was caught by the Limburg goalkeeper. The Unionists missed a big opportunity to pick up the score.
During the fifth quarter of an hour, the Unionists were better in place and gained the physical upper hand over the Limburgers. But their chances, like a strike into the side net from Lazare, were too timid.
10 minutes from time, Genk had a great opportunity following a free kick. Galarza was twenty meters away to receive a ball cleared from the fists of Moris. His one-time volley narrowly went over the Union goal.
On the other hand, a solo from Castro Montes could have allowed the Unionists to equalize. Arriving in the small rectangle, the former Gant player saw his shot deflected off target by Vandevoordt.
Five minutes from time, Burgess failed to get his header on target, following a corner kicked by Castro Montes.
In the 91st minute, Castro Montes again entered the game and armed with his left foot. His shot, too soft, ended up in Vandevoordt’s gloves.
At the end of added time, when the Limburgers wanted to freeze the ball in the corner, Burgess had a bad reaction. He won a touch and quickly threw the ball into Arokodare’s face. He received a red card.
The match therefore ended with a score of 1-0. The Unionists are doing the wrong thing with this defeat.
