BEERSCHOT - RACING GENK 2 - 0
An early goal from Lawrence Shankland and one from Moses Caicedo in injury time settled this tie in Beerschot's favour. A bit lucky maybe as Racing Genk controlled the game for about 75 minutes in which they claimed the ball and created a handful of good scoring opportunities. But couldn't score against an impressive Beerschot defense with goalkeeper Mike Vanhamel in a starring role. Javier Torrente's team showed determination, a lot of character and put in a heart warming performance with a victory on top. A great night at the Olympic Stadium.
It took Beerschot only five minutes to open the score. Lawrence Shankland converted a nice through ball from Rapha Holzhauser with a low shot past Vandervoordt. Our Scottish striker's first home goal of the season, and - at the same time - the perfect start for our Mannekes. The visitors reacted immediately, upped the tempo, took over midfield and threatened with Paintsil on the left wing and shots from Hrosovsky. But our defense stood firm, Radic and Bourdin denied Genk's 6ft 8 tall striker Onuachu while Vanhamel produced a miraculous save when Thortvedt lashed out from 10 yards. Beerschot were pushed back continuously and hardly got a break as the build up was rather sloppy.
Racing Genk also fan riot in the second half. But again it was Vanhamel who now denied Onuachu's equaliser when he parried a half volley from the Nigerian forward. A world class save. The game was exciting and entertaining... with Beerschot contributing as well. On the break Vaca's low cross was missed by both Holzhauser and Noubissi. Minutes later our Bolivian midfielder hit the post after a clever assist from Holzhauser. Furthermore Moses Caicedo showed his brilliance when tricking the Genk defense while coach Torrente was sent off when he showed his disapproval when ref Boucaut was far too lenient when Caicedo was fouled. It all contributed to the high entertainment value in the Olympic Stadium where the home fans created an electric atmosphere. Never a dull moment.
In injury time Beerschot settled the game when Caicedo picked up a long ball from goalkeeper Vanhamel, outran the whole Genk defense and coolly finished off. A great two-nil victory for Beerschot who are now unbeaten for four games and have narrowed the gap with Cercle Brugge to one point. "Operation Rescue" is very much on.
ATTENDANCE: 7.000
REFEREE: Boucaut
GOALS: 5' Shankland 1-0, 90+1' Caicedo 2-0
BEERSCHOT: Vanhamel, Halaimia, Radic, Bourdin, Van den Bergh, Dom, Pietermaat, Caicedo, Vaca (90+2' Suzuki), Holzhauser (83' Lemos), Shankland (63' Noubissi)
RACING GENK: Vandervoordt, Sadick, Arteaga, Ito, Heynen, Hrosovsky (77' Ugbo), Paintsil (59' Bongonda), Lucumi, Preciado, Thorstvedt, Onuachu
YELLOW CARDS: Thorstvedt, Dom
RED CARDS: 74' Torrente (2x yellow)
By Danny Geerts
Photo: Jan Mees
