Genk, Belgium, 29 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – KRC Genk delivered the response demanded after their collapse against Antwerp, defeating SK Beveren 4-0 at the Cegeka Arena. The KRC Genk win was secured by Rafiu Durosinmi, Junya Ito, Josue Ndenge Kongolo and Joris Kayembe.
Durosinmi opened the scoring from the penalty spot after nine minutes following a VAR intervention. Ito doubled Genk’s advantage in the 19th minute after Beveren surrendered possession, before Kongolo made it 3-0 shortly before half-time. Kayembe completed the scoring after 74 minutes.
Why Genk Dominated and Beveren Collapsed
Genk’s victory was built on efficiency. Beveren had periods with the ball and won several corners, but the hosts were far more ruthless when opportunities arrived.
Beveren’s official report conceded that Genk “chose their moments” before taking a three-goal lead into half-time.
The performance was also a direct reaction to Genk’s previous match. Jess Thorup’s side had led Antwerp 4-1 before conceding three late goals in a dramatic 4-4 draw. Captain Bryan Heynen subsequently demanded improvement, saying: “For me, it is important that there is a reaction.”
Thorup had also faced criticism following that collapse. Speaking before the Beveren game, the Genk coach said: “People who don’t know me think they can analyse me based on 90 minutes of football.”
The KRC Genk win provided the answer on the pitch: four goals, a clean sheet and no repeat of the late defensive breakdown seen in Antwerp.
What Problems Will Beveren Face After Another 4-0 Defeat?
For Beveren, the result raises more serious questions. It was their second successive away defeat after also losing 4-0 at Zulte Waregem. Genk have now remained unbeaten against Beveren in their official meetings since 2015, according to Beveren’s pre-match records.
Coach Tim Bakens made three changes at half-time and his team improved, but they could not convert possession into goals. Kayembe’s fourth ended any remaining hope of a comeback.
The immediate challenge is therefore defensive. Conceding four goals in consecutive away matches places pressure on Beveren to become harder to punish when possession is lost.
What Comes Next for Genk and Beveren?
The KRC Genk win gives Thorup’s team confidence before a considerably tougher sequence. Genk travel to Anderlecht on 6 September before facing Gent and Club Brugge in their following league fixtures.
Beveren return home to face OH Leuven on 6 September at 19:15 local time. After consecutive heavy away defeats, that match offers Bakens and his players an immediate opportunity to show that their defensive problems can be corrected.
