Tension on the final matchday. Both our Kemphanen and the visitors from Genk still felt the hot breath of several pursuers in the standings. The desire for point gain was significant among both player cores as well as both supporter bases.

KVC Westerlo Lineup: S. Bolat, J. Bos (85′ T. Rommens), N. Madsen, S. Sydorchuk, R. Vermant (77′ M. Frigan), G. Yow (78′ K. Vaesen), B. Reynolds, R. Neustädter, E. Bayram (45′ R. Tagir), A. Piedfort (85′ D. Haspolat), A. Sayyadmanesh (77′ K. Vaesen)

First Half

The three-point desire at Westerlo became immediately clear from the start. Our Kemphanen immediately claimed possession and forced goalkeeper Vandevoordt into action early on.

Just before the end of the opening quarter, Genk also showed up for the first time. After a corner kick, Tolu rose above everyone else, but an alert Bolat deflected his header for a corner.

On the other side, a header from Neustädter once again led to a great save from Vandevoordt. The subsequent Westerlo attempts from Piedfort, Sydorchuk, and Yow again saw the Genk goalkeeper flying past or over his goal.

With halftime approaching, the visitors also showed that they can be dangerous. After a sharp run to the goal line, Baah Kayembe found himself free in front of goal, but he placed the ball next to the goal post. The score remained goalless at halftime.

Second Half

The vigorous start from the first half was replaced by a more cautious one in the second. A timid attempt from Piedfort was the first thing the supporters could warm up to in a rainy second half.

More excitement came in the 70th minute when a swinging arm from Baah towards Neustädter’s face was punished with a red card. A blow for Genk, which soon after had another setback. A cross floated to the feet of Ravil Tagir who placed the opening goal on the scoreboard from close range.

The signal for an intense finish. A ten-man Genk sought and found a relieving goal through captain Heynen, giving them certainty about the Champions’ Play-Offs. The points were shared, and the celebration night for retention began.

Report: Glen Van Herck
Photos: Gvg/Photo News