Ghent kills Europe’s hopes of budding Genk and wins European play-offs | Jupiler Pro League 2021/2022

Genk had to win to keep a little hope of a European ticket, but there wasn’t much to see from an attack by the home team in the preliminary stage. On the contrary, it was the visitors who repeatedly caused danger.

Half an hour before the hit: Tissoudali pressed Genk’s defense with some luck and beat Vanvoort with a low shot into the corner: 0-1.

The host team had to look for an equaliser and create danger at times, but Ghent goalkeeper Rove didn’t have to get his gloves dirty. Paul Onwacho, who received the Golden Boot before the match, did not participate in the match.

Even after the break, Ghent remained president. Tsudale had a 0-2 shot at the foot, but was choked up by his final dribble. 20 minutes before the end of the match, Storck threw an extra striker into the fight with Paintsil and moments later the decision was made.

Tissoudali saw and found Odjidja’s offside and made sure Ghent finished the match accurately: 0-2. After that, De Sart was still close to 0-3, but there were no more goals. Thanks to this victory, Ghent is sure of the overall victory in the European qualification. Antwerp will also be satisfied with this result, because then the jumps on the last European ticket are unnecessary and Antwerp is allowed to enter Europe.

Gent takes 5th place in Genk, consolation prize for losing the Champions Qualifier? “When we win we are always happy,” said Gent coach Hein Vanheisbroek.

“We proved we absolutely had to be better, but a lot played in that. We can’t turn back the clock and I’m glad the group showed that we could be a better team in the last few months.”

“After a difficult January, in which we missed several players, we may have the best score report. In that strange defeat at home to Genk, our only defeat in Belgium, and the match against Cercle Brugge – where everyone knew what happened – after That we win it all.”

Has Vanhaezebrouck found an explanation for the difference between the Ghent before and after the winter break? “Next weekend we will play our 60th game of the season.”

“We totally wanted to get to the groups in Europe and before that we played 3 qualifying rounds. After that, we did everything we could to win that group and spend the winter in Europe. We all did that.

“We wanted to go far in the cup: Standard, eliminate Klopp and beat Anderlecht. Then it makes sense to leave some points before the New Year. The only thing we can be blamed for is that we weren’t efficient enough before the winter break.”

“You must also not forget that we got 14 more points this season than last season, which is a huge progress. It was not on our side, but we still tried to make the most of it at all levels. You can just be proud.”