Disappointing 0 - 1 defeat against Lokeren.

KRC Genk did some bad business in their struggle for a position in the top six of the League. On their own turf they lost 0 - 1 to Lokeren.

Genk lost their away game 4 - 2 against a supreme Anderlecht. So they'd better grab the three points for the fifth consecutive time in the Cristal Arena. Mario Been still had to do without Joneleit, Köteles and Masuero. Nadson was benched, Barda provided support for Benteke up front and Hubert played in defense.
Lokeren coach Maes lacked De Bock, Trompet and Deekman. De Pauw, Persoons, De Ceulaer and El Mouataz returned to the team.

Behind early.

The game started with chances on either side. Persoons lashed out from far but Bailly had no problem parrying while Lazic stopped Benteke's attempt. 11 minutes into the game Genk were a goal down. Harbaoui took a shot from far. It would have gone wide but Bailly tried to stop the ball and spilled it. De Ceulaer was very quick to net it from the tightest of angles.
Two minutes later Lokeren nearly doubled the score. Maric headed on a cornerkick and Harbaoui managed to put his head to it. Luckily for Genk the ball hit the far post. On the other side a header by Barda from a Tözsér free kick went inches wide. Genk tried to get a grip on the game but they had to be very carefull with their opponents. Harbaoui was unable to control a cross from Persoons and missed an excellent opportunity. On the turn around Buffel took a shot from distance but Lazic was up to it. Genk were unable to turn the tide and Lokeren deserved their 0 - 1 lead at halftime.

Top six is far away.

Genk started the second half with Vossen instead of Barda and managed to create the first chance. Benteke's header only just went wide. Lokeren played the counter attack and Taravel came only a shoetip short of surprising Bailly. Genk did what they could but they were unable to cause their opponents any concern. Ayub came on instead of Tözsér but that too didn't help much. Benteke was too surprised when a ball fell into his feet. His shot went wide. Genk were unable to impose the pace and failed to draw level. The Cristal Arena witnessed a cold and dramatic evening.

KRC Genk line up : Bailly, Anele, Simaeys, Hubert, Tshimanga, Tözsér (68’ Ayub), Camus, De Bruyne, Buffel, Barda (45’ Vossen) and Benteke.
Lokeren line up : Lazic, El Mouataz, Taravel, Maric, Overmeire, Persoons, Harbaoui (75’ Mokulu), Leko (92’ Patosi), De Ceulaer (86’ Fevang), Galitsios, De Pauw.

Scoresheet :
11’ : 0 – 1 : De Ceulaer

Yellow cards : 38’  De Ceulaer, 73’ Persoons, 74’ Camus

Referee : Colemonts

Attendance : 22.710