Jupiler Pro League
Antwerp and Genk share a thrilling 4-4 draw in Jupiler Pro League classic
Antwerp twice led but Genk fought back to secure a 4-4 draw at Bosuilstadion in a match featuring eight goals and three yellow cards.
Antwerp and Genk served up a goal-filled spectacle at Bosuilstadion, with the hosts ultimately held to a 4-4 draw in this Jupiler Pro League clash. The match burst into life early when A. Valencia gave Antwerp the lead in the 16th minute, slotting home a well-worked move finished with an assist from C. Scott.
Genk responded through J. Kongolo in the 31st minute, restoring parity with a tidy strike after I. Bangoura set him up. The visitors then went ahead just before halftime as R. Durosinmi capitalised on a clever pass from J. Erenbjerg, leaving the sides level at 1-1 heading into the break.
The second half opened with Genk extending their advantage, as A. Yokoyama netted his side's third after another incisive delivery from Erenbjerg. Antwerp's hopes looked dim, but A. Bibout's goal for Genk in the 70th minute appeared to seal the contest — only for E. Tuypens to pull one back for the hosts in the 80th minute, drifting in from close range after T. Somers' cross.
With momentum shifting, Antwerp earned a penalty in the 86th minute, which M. Frey converted coolly to level the scores. Two minutes later, Frey completed his brace, tapping in from a cutback by C. Mejia to cap off a dramatic finish.
The result leaves Antwerp in third place in the Pro League table after three games, with seven points to show for their efforts. Genk, meanwhile, sit eighth with four points, still searching for consistency in the early stages of the campaign.
Neither side could find a winner in stoppage time, and the draw felt like a fair reflection of an entertaining encounter. Referee Jasper Vergoote kept the game flowing despite late drama, and both coaches — Marvin Compper for Antwerp and Jess Thorup for Genk — will take encouragement from their teams' attacking displays.
Antwerp deployed a 4-4-2 formation, while Genk lined up in 4-2-3-1, and the tactical battle was as open as the scoreline suggested. Three yellow cards were issued during the match — M. Compper for Antwerp in the 36th minute, and D. Heymans and I. Bangoura for Genk in the closing stages.
Looking ahead, both sides will aim to build on this high-energy performance in their upcoming fixtures.