K.R.C. Genk secured a resounding 4-0 victory over SK Beveren in the Jupiler Pro League. Jess Thorup's team responded to last week's disappointing 4-4 draw against Antwerp with a dominant home performance on the fourth matchday of the season.
The home side started strongly and were 2-0 up within twenty minutes. Toluwalase Arokodare, known as Durosinmi, opened the scoring from the penalty spot inside ten minutes. It was his fourth goal in as many league matches this season. Yuito Ito doubled the lead shortly after. Before halftime, Genk made it three, taking a 3-0 lead into the break. In the second half, defender Joris Kayembe set the final score with the fourth goal. Goalkeeper Gerhardus Brughmans kept a clean sheet.
How did the match unfold?
Genk took immediate control and were awarded an early penalty after a foul by Slegers on Anouar El Ouahdi. The VAR confirmed referee Verbeke's decision. Durosinmi remained composed and converted the chance. The speed and pressure from Genk were too much for the newly-promoted visitors. Ito later hit the post, as did SK Beveren player Bibout in the second half. Beveren goalkeeper Schenk could not stem the attacking tide. Coach Tim Bakens tried a triple substitution at halftime, but his team could not mount a real comeback. A shot from Margaritha went just wide and Mertens was denied by Brughmans.
What did the managers say?
Jess Thorup had made it clear beforehand that his team needed to show a reaction. "What happened last week no longer matters. I do want to see a reaction today," the Genk manager said, according to reporters from Sporza Voetbal. On the other side, Tim Bakens called for fighting spirit from his Beveren side. "I want to see energy and fighting spirit today, that's the minimum," he stated. The result showed that Genk executed Thorup's instructions better.
What does this win mean for Genk?
The victory is important for confidence after the crushing 4-4 draw against Antwerp, where Genk squandered a 1-4 lead. Earlier this season, the team also came from 0-2 down to beat Westerlo. The start of the home campaign has been mixed, a pattern that also occurred last season when Genk fell behind in their first seven home matches. With this win, Genk now sits ninth in the standings with 4 points from 4 games. Their goal difference is even with 8 scored and 8 conceded. The team trails leaders Club Brugge KV by 5 points.
What comes next?
Genk's next assignment is an away match against RSC Anderlecht on September 6, 2026, at the Lotto Park. Anderlecht currently sits tenth. It promises to be an important test in the early phase of the competition. Jess Thorup's squad will want to show that consistency has returned. Fans can follow the preparations via our squad overview. The positive result against Beveren provides a solid foundation for the trip to Brussels.
