Anderlecht failed to put more distance between themselves and their rivals. They lost 2-1 to KRC Genk on Saturday, and this defeat is a heavy blow for Anderlecht.
Anderlecht entered the match against Genk as the leader and could have put the home team ten points behind in the championship round with a win.
Anderlecht seemed to be overwhelmed by the pressure, as Genk dominated the entire match. Just fifteen minutes in, Genk scored the first goal. Bilal El Khannous initiated an attack and found his teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi, who then assisted Tolu Arokodare: 1-0.
Genk should have decided the game before halftime, as Anderlecht was struggling and unable to make a significant impact. Striker Kasper Dolberg was also invisible. In the second half, the same pattern continued: Anderlecht was uncertain, and Genk was the superior team. However, this did not result in a 2-0 lead, despite Genk having multiple opportunities to score.
Against the run of play, Anderlecht managed to even things out in the closing stages. Mark McKenzie slipped, allowing Thomas Delaney to take the ball and eventually, goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt was helpless against a shot from Anders Dreyer. Deep into the final moments, Genk had a prime opportunity to turn the championship race on its head. Killian Sardella committed a handball, giving Genk a penalty. Substitute Andi Zeqiri took the chance and did not fail.
Anderlecht now faces a double encounter with Cercle Brugge. On May 11, Anderlecht and Genk will meet again. Second-place Union Saint-Gilloise could come within one point of the lead with a win over Club Brugge on Sunday.
