Belgian First Division: Genk top after Anderlecht slip

Genk came from behind to defeat Club Brugge 3-1 while Gent drew 1-1 with Anderlecht in Wednesday’s Belgian First Division action.

With both matches being part of the Championship Playoff, the drama was high, especially at the Cristal Arena as Genk recovered from an early slip-up.

That occurred when Nabil Dirar set up Joseph Akpala for the opener for Club Brugge after 22 minutes, but the hosts hit back eight minutes later through Marvin Ogunjimi.

With the match in the balance just after the hour-mark, Jeroen Simaeys conceded a penalty and Genk hit the front through Israeli Elianiv Barda, who tucked away the spot-kick for his 16th goal of the season in all competitions.

Club Brugge boss Adrie Koster made changes to strengthen his side’s final third but the result was put beyond doubt when one of Genk’s substitutes, Jelle Vossen, scored in the 86th minute, just four minutes after being introduced.

The result sees Genk move to the top of the Championship playoff group, putting them one point clear of Anderlecht on top of the league, while Club Brugge remain fourth.

Anderlecht had the chance to stay on top of the table, but could only manage a 1-1 draw away to Gent.

Tim Smolders put Gent in front after just 12 minutes, but the lead did not last too long, with defender Roland Juhasz grabbing the equaliser for Anderlecht eight minutes before half-time.