Antwerp vs KRC Genk

Genk kicked off the Europe Play-offs in style, beating Antwerp 2-1 at the Bosuilstadion thanks to a Daan Heymans brace. The midfielder was the difference on a frustrating evening for the hosts. Heymans broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, finishing after a neat assist from Yaimar Medina in the 45+2 minute. He doubled the advantage six minutes into the second half from the penalty spot, giving Genk a comfortable cushion to protect. Antwerp rallied late, with Christopher Scott pulling one back in the 86th minute to set up a nervy finale. The closing stages grew heated as Youssef Hamdaoui and Anthony Valencia picked up yellow cards in quick succession, but Genk held firm. The win sends Genk top of the Europe Play-offs on 24 points, six clear of Antwerp who sit fourth on 18. It is the perfect opening-day statement from Genk as they chase a route back into European competition.