Belgian First Division wrap: Genk count the cost of Westerlo loss

Genk paid the price for an upset loss at home to Westerlo on Saturday, with Anderlecht replacing them atop the Belgian First Division table.

Reigning champions Anderlecht could not return from Eupen with more than a point, with Romelu Lukaku’s 37th-minute strike cancelled out by substitute Panamanian striker Jose Espinal five minutes from extra time.

But the point was enough to send Anderlecht back to the top of the league, after Genk conceded two goals in the last 10 minutes of normal time to slump to a surprise 2-0 loss to Westerlo.

Brazilian striker Paulo Henrique struck first for the away side, with midfielder Rachid Farssi sealing the points in the 90th minute.

Little changed at the other end of the table, with Lierse’s point at Lokeren not enough to drag them out of the bottom two.

Striker Nill De Pauw put the home team in front after just 10 minutes, but Jurgen Cavens’ effort on 35 minutes secured a share of the points for Lierse.

Lierse is now even on points with Eupen, but stay in the drop zone by virtue of goal difference.

In more trouble are Charleroi, who lost 2-0 at home thanks to former Wolves defender Jelle van Damme’s 17th-minute opener and a Mohamed Tchite penalty 15 minutes later.

Charleroi remain rooted to the foot of the table, five points and goal difference from safety.

Club Brugge had a double from Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic in their 4-1 thumping of Kortrijk, while Gent edged Cercle Brugge 1-0 and Sint-Truiden picked up a 2-1 win at Zulte-Waregem.

Mechelen and Germinal Beerschot could not be separated at the latters’ Olympisch Stadion, with evergreen midfielder Bart Goor scoring an 88th-minute equaliser for the home team.