Belgian First Division wrap: Anderlecht, Genk suffer surprise losses

Club Brugge beat Anderlecht and Standard Liege defeated Genk as the top two both lost in the Belgian First Division playoffs.

Karel Geraerts put Brugge ahead after just four minutes of the Playoff I match at the Jan Breydelstadion.

The hosts doubled their advantage through an own goal from Anderlecht’s Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic four minutes before half-time.

And it was 3-0 on 55 minutes courtesy of a strike from Nigeria international striker Joseph Akpala.

Anderlecht finished with 10 men after Argentine Matias Suarez received his second yellow card with 20 minutes to go.

In Sunday’s other Playoff I match, Standard Liege came from a goal down with four minutes remaining to beat group leaders Genk 2-1.

Visitors Genk led through a goal from Hungarian midfielder Daniel Tozser in the 68th minute at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne.

The hosts leveled courtesy of an Axel Witzel penalty on 86 minutes, before Cameroonian forward Aloys Nong found the net in the 90th minute to snatch the win for Liege.

Genk and Anderlecht remain first and second in the Champions League qualification places, with Liege third in the automatic Europa League qualification berth and Club Brugge fourth.

In Playoff I, Group B leaders Westerlo came from behind to draw 1-1 away to Zulte-Waregem.

Striker Mahamadou Habibou put hosts Zulte ahead in the 39th minute at Regenboogstadion.

But the visitors leveled six minutes into the second half thanks to Brazilian Paulo Henrique.

Westerlo remain top of Group B, level on points with Germinal Beerschot and with the right to play off for a Europa League qualification spot at stake.