KRC Genk vs SC Freiburg

Genk secured a crucial 1-0 first-leg victory over Freiburg in the Europa League Round of 16 at the Cegeka Arena on Thursday night. A sublime 24th-minute volley from Zakaria El Ouahdi proved the difference in a tight, cagey affair. VAR played a starring role early on as Freiburg's Johan Manzambi saw what he thought was the opener chalked off for offside inside the first ten minutes. Genk then had a penalty shout waved away after another review before El Ouahdi settled the nerves, finishing a slick one-two with Bryan Heynen with a clinical right-footed volley. Freiburg pushed hard after the break but couldn't convert their pressure into clear-cut chances. A towering header from Yuito Suzuki drew a stunning save, the closest the visitors came to levelling. Genk will head to Germany with a slender advantage, though they'll be without El Ouahdi after the goalscorer picked up a yellow card that triggers a suspension. It's all to play for in the second leg.