In a tightly contested Jupiler Pro League match at the Cegeka Arena, Genk and Cercle Brugge shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw. Yira Sor put the hosts ahead in the 17th minute, with a neat finish assisted by Konstantinos Karetsas. However, Cercle Brugge's persistence paid off as Pieter Gerkens found the net in injury time, capitalizing on a chaotic sequence to salvage a point for the visitors.
Genk's Early Promise
The early stages saw Genk take control of the game, with Sor's goal lifting the home crowd. They maintained possession, boasting a 56% ball retention rate, but were unable to extend their lead despite six shots on target. Junya Ito impressed with his dribbling, completing four successful attempts, yet his influence waned as the match progressed.
Cercle Brugge's Resilience Shines
As the second half unfolded, Cercle Brugge grew into the game. Tactical substitutions injected fresh energy, and their determination was rewarded when Gerkens scored in the dying moments. Despite only managing two shots on target, Brugge's defensive efforts, including five saves from their goalkeeper, kept them in the match.
Late Drama and Impact
The match's climax was defined by Gerkens' equalizer, a moment that underscored Brugge's recent form resurgence after back-to-back away wins. This result leaves Genk reflecting on missed opportunities, as they seek to rediscover the form that saw them victorious against Leuven earlier this season.
