KRC Genk
2 
2
Servette FC Genève
After the 1-1 draw in Geneva last week, Wouter Vrancken's troops faced a clear assignment. Win and we would be closer to the group stages of European competition. The Genk supporters have been eagerly anticipating this match for a whole week. Indeed, no less than 16,000 supporters were present atCegeka Arena on this rainy summer day. It was something unique -- never in our club’s history have so many Genkies been present for a match in a European preliminary round. Compared to the first league match against RWDM, Vrancken rotated his side, as Kayembe, Hrošovský, El Khannouss, Tolu and Trésor replaced Arteaga, Galarza, El Hadj, Sor and Fadera.
First half
That there was a lot at stake. After barely two minutes, Crivelli went in on terribly on Heynen's ankle. It was immediately the end of the game for our captain who was carried off the field with his hands covering his face. Galarza, who had impressed in Molenbeek, came on in his place. As to the culprit, Crivelli, you ask? He was also off to the dressing room, after a more than justified red card. With a man advantage, our boys immediately would keep the ball. Muñoz's cross reached Galarza, but his header was too central to threaten Rouiller. The Swiss, for their part, parked the bus in their own half and seized every opportunity to slow down the game. After 25 minutes Trésor received the ball after an overlapping run by Muñoz. Into the area, he was brought down by Mazikou -- penalty kick. It was a breeze for ‘Magic Mike’ to give us the lead with a shot into the left corner. Moments later, the team was after a 2-0, but Tolu's header went just over the bar. At the other end, Cognat was brought down in the D on a rare counterattack after a light contact with Galarza. To make matters worse, his free kick deflected off the wall and ended up in goal, leaving the match level at halftime.
Second half
At the start of the second half, Arteaga replaced Kayembe. The second half had hardly started when Patje played in Tolu who shot with one touch, but his effort came off the post. After five minutes it was still level. Trésor – who else – then played the ball in to the second post for Tolu and he, just like in the first leg, finished with an unstoppable effort. Our hunger was not satisfied after taking the lead, though, and the pressure was immense, but both Arteaga and Tolu were unable to extend the lead. Just like in the first half, though, the goal came – from almost out of nowhere – for the other side. Arteaga was turned by Antunes who set up Bedia to make it 2-2. With 25 minutes to go, the score was again level. With fifteen minutes left on the clock, Trésor and El Khannouss were replaced by Fadera and El Hadj. After a rush up the right flank by Paintsil, the latter was able to shoot unmarked, but Vouilloz would clear his shot off the line. Tolu remained a nuisance for the Swiss defence until injury time, but he twice failed to outwit Mall – who had come on in goal. Just like in the first leg, we ended up with a draw.
Extra time
It was the same pattern of play during extra time, with 21 players in the Servette half and a Swiss side who ventured forward very rarely. After a good interception high up the pitch, Fadera was able to the target from a sharp angle, but Mall once again kept his team level. At the start of the second half of extra time, Bonsu Baah and Aziz replaced Paintsil and Galarza. Our young Ghanaian immediately showed that he can play football. From the left he immediately cut in well to shoot towards the far corner, and Mall had to pull out all the stops to keep the tie level. There were few chances afterwards, but many breaks in play.
Penalty shootout
We couldn't score again, however, and so the result was penalty kicks. Hrošovský and Tolu couldn’t put the ball between the posts, while Servette hit every one of their attempts. We were thus eliminated in the most bitter way from the Champions League. Now we need to get our heads together and look ahead. A home game against Eupen awaits next Saturday at 4 PM, after which we will take on Olympiakos as we continue to play in the European preliminary rounds.
Goals
28’ Mike Trésor; 1-0
36’ Timothé Cognat; 1-1
52’ Tolu Arokodare; 2-1
63’ Chris Bedia; 2-2
Penalties (1-4)
Hussayn Touati (made) 0-1
Patrik Hrošovský (missed) 0-1
Jeremy Guillemenot (made) 0-2
Carlos Cuesta (made) 1-2
Yoan Severin (made) 1-3
Tolu Arokodare (missed) 1-3
Ronny Rodelin (made) 1-4
Starting line-up
Vandevoordt, Kayembe (Arteaga 46’), McKenzie, Cuesta, Muñoz, Heynen (Galarza 2’ (Aziz 106’)), Hrošovský, El Khannouss (El Hadj 69’), Tolu, Trésor (Fadera 69’), Paintsil (Bonsu Baah 106’)
Wouter Vrancken’s reaction: "It's our own fault that we're out. When you play a full game against 10 men, there's no excuse. I still can't believe we lost this game. Regarding the penalty kicks: that’s a mental issue, and it’s something that lingers in your head, having played against ten men and not being able to finish the job. On their side, nothing was imperative and every chance would be a gift. Everyone is disappointed, but we now have to focus on facing Eupen."
