UEFA Europa League League Stage - 8
Genk 2 - 1 FT Malmo FF
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
T. Ali (K. Busuladzic) 4'
43' Matte Smets
45' D. Heymans
HT
47' Yaimar Medina
↓ A. Christiansen ↑E. Ekong 61'
↓ A. Sigurdsson ↑S. Haksabanovic 61'
62' ↓ Y. Medina ↑J. Kayembe
62' ↓ J. Steuckers ↑K. Karetsas
62' ↓ I. Bangoura ↑A. Bibout
Kenan Busuladzic 72'
72' ↓ J. Ito ↑Y. Sor
↓ T. Ali ↑S. Soumah 73'
↓ D. T. Gudjohnsen ↑E. Botheim 73'
↓ M. Frejd Palsson ↑O. Lewicki 81'
82' K. Karetsas (D. Heymans)
83' ↓ Oh Hyeon-Gyu ↑R. Mirisola
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Genk
Goalkeepers
T. Lawal 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Z. El Ouahdi 
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
0
Assists
51%
Pass Acc
M. Sadick
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Smets 
MAGNET
97
Activity
97
Activity
92
Passes
5
Duels
Y. Medina 
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Midfielders
B. Heynen 
PROVOCATEUR
4
Fouls Won
4
Fouls Won
7
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
I. Bangoura
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
62
Total Mins
62
Entry
D. Heymans 
ENFORCER
6
Tackles
6
Tackles
13
Duels Won
100%
Win %
Forwards
J. Steuckers
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
25%
Pass Acc
Oh Hyeon-Gyu
LATE SHIFT
7
Late Mins
7
Late Mins
83
Total Mins
83
Entry
J. Ito
MAGNET
45
Activity
45
Activity
38
Passes
7
Duels
BENCH
H. Van Crombrugge 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
B. Stevens
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
J. Kayembe
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
28
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Nkuba
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Kongolo
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Karetsas 
CLOSER
1
Late Goals
1
Late Goals
0
Late Assists
75
Minute
N. Sattlberger
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. De Wannemacker
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Y. Sor
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
18
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Bibout
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
28
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Mirisola
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
12
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Erabi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Malmo FF
Goalkeepers
M. Ellborg 
FRIENDLY FIRE
Pen Given
Mistake
Pen Given
Mistake
1
Fouls
6.6
Rating
Defenders
J. Karlsson 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
75%
Duel Win %
C. Rosler
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Frejd Palsson
LATE SHIFT
9
Late Mins
9
Late Mins
81
Total Mins
81
Entry
T. Lundbergh
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Midfielders
T. Ali 
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
K. Busuladzic
ARCHITECT
4
Key Passes
4
Key Passes
1
Assists
27%
Pass Acc
L. Johnsen
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Sigurdsson
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
61
Total Mins
61
Entry
Forwards
A. Christiansen
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
61
Total Mins
61
Entry
D. T. Gudjohnsen
STORMTROOPER
3
Shots
3
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
BENCH
J. Dahlin
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
M. Olsson
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
V. Hidalgo
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
O. Lewicki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
9
Total Mins
Started
Entry
E. Ekong
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
29
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Haksabanovic
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
29
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Skogmar
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
H. Bolin
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Palac
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
S. Soumah
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
17
Total Mins
Started
Entry
E. Botheim
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
17
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/29/2018 | Malmo FF | 2 - 2 | Genk | UEFA Europa League | Swedbank Stadion |
| 09/20/2018 | Genk | 2 - 0 | Malmo FF | UEFA Europa League | Luminus Arena |
Genk Win
Malmo FF Win
Draw
League Standings
P: 8 GD: +13
P: 8 GD: +8
P: 8 GD: +10
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +7
P: 8 GD: +4
P: 8 GD: +7
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +1
P: 8 GD: +8
P: 8 GD: +5
P: 8 GD: +1
P: 8 GD: +4
P: 8 GD: +3
P: 8 GD: +3
P: 8 GD: +3
P: 8 GD: +2
P: 8 GD: -2
P: 8 GD: -3
P: 8 GD: -4
P: 8 GD: -2
P: 8 GD: -6
P: 8 GD: -6
P: 8 GD: -7
P: 8 GD: -8
P: 8 GD: -4
P: 8 GD: -4
P: 8 GD: -5
P: 8 GD: -9
P: 8 GD: -8
P: 8 GD: -10
P: 8 GD: -11
League Standings
P: 8 GD: +13
P: 8 GD: +8
P: 8 GD: +10
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +7
P: 8 GD: +4
P: 8 GD: +7
P: 8 GD: +6
P: 8 GD: +1
P: 8 GD: +8
P: 8 GD: +5
P: 8 GD: +1
P: 8 GD: +4
P: 8 GD: +3
P: 8 GD: +3
P: 8 GD: +3
P: 8 GD: +2
P: 8 GD: -2
P: 8 GD: -3
P: 8 GD: -4
P: 8 GD: -2
P: 8 GD: -6
P: 8 GD: -6
P: 8 GD: -7
P: 8 GD: -8
P: 8 GD: -4
P: 8 GD: -4
P: 8 GD: -5
P: 8 GD: -9
P: 8 GD: -8
P: 8 GD: -10
P: 8 GD: -11
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Genk Break Malmo Hearts in Late Cegeka Comeback
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 69/100. A relentless offensive siege proved just enough for Genk to turn an early nightmare into a crucial European victory.
A Shaky Start
The script was torn to shreds inside four minutes at Cegeka Arena. T. Ali pounced early off a clever ball from K. Busuladzic, silencing the home crowd and giving struggling Malmo FF an unexpected lead. For a side rooted near the bottom of the European table with a dreadful run of form, this was the dream scenario. But the Balance of play shifted almost instantly. Genk refused to panic. Instead, they put their foot firmly on the gas, pinning the Swedish outfit deep in their own defensive third. A relentless barrage of attempts turned the penalty area into an absolute shooting gallery, with Zakaria El Ouahdi orchestrating wave after wave of overlapping attacks from the back. The visitors were entirely reliant on desperate defensive blocks and their goalkeeper's heroics to survive the first-half onslaught.
The Turning Point
The sheer volume of pressure had to tell eventually, and the breakthrough arrived shrouded in high tension. In the dying moments of the first half, Matte Smets went down under a heavy challenge in the box. A lengthy VAR review ensued, ultimately confirming the penalty and tipping the Intensity scales firmly in the hosts' favour. D. Heymans stepped up under immense pressure and ruthlessly converted from the spot on the stroke of half-time. That equaliser fundamentally changed the dressing room dynamic. Malmo emerged for the second half utterly lacking any forward momentum, managing a paltry 38% possession as Genk completely dictated the tempo. The visitors dug in, clinging desperately to the hope of snatching a rare European point in what felt like an endless, suffocating siege on their goal.
The Masterstroke
Our take on this clash hinges on tactical adjustments, and the second-half introduction of K. Karetsas proved to be the ultimate game-changer. Brought into the fray just past the hour mark, the super-sub immediately picked the lock of a stubborn Swedish defence. With just eight minutes left on the clock, Heymans turned provider, teeing up Karetsas to fire home the definitive winner and complete a highly deserved comeback. The Stakes were massive for Genk's knockout stage aspirations, and this crucial victory keeps them firmly inside the playoff spots. For Malmo, it is simply another bitter pill to swallow in a brutal continental campaign. They fought bravely against overwhelming underlying numbers and immense set-piece pressure, but sheer quality and tactical depth ultimately overpowered their resilience on a dramatic night in Belgium.
Key Questions
What made Konstantinos Karetsas the Man of the Match?
Though El Ouahdi boasted excellent underlying numbers, Karetsas was the undisputed hero, coming off the bench to score the decisive 82nd-minute winner and create three key chances.
How did Genk complete the comeback from behind?
After conceding early, Genk dominated possession and generated massive shot volume. A crucial VAR-awarded penalty by D. Heymans sparked the turnaround before Karetsas netted the late winner.
How did substitute Konstantinos Karetsas change the game?
Entering at the 62nd minute, Karetsas injected fresh creativity. His dynamic movement broke Malmo's low block, culminating in his dramatic 82nd-minute strike to secure all three points.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
Genk Eye Direct Qualification Against Reeling Malmo
Skip It Futmetrix Score: 27/100. A massive mismatch awaits as the hosts chase a top-eight finish against a Swedish side desperately trying to end a miserable European campaign.
The Setup
Under the lights at Cegeka Arena on January 29, 2026, Genk have a golden opportunity to bypass the playoff round. Sitting firmly in ninth place with sixteen points, they are knocking on the door of the top eight. Their recent continental run has been formidable, showcasing a strong Form rating that signals absolute confidence. Conversely, Malmo FF arrive with merely one point to their name, languishing down in thirty-fifth place. The visitors are weathering a dire five-match losing streak, offering very little resistance at the back. Due to this severe competitive gap, the Stakes for neutral viewers are incredibly low. Genk are heavily favored to control the tempo, turning this fixture into an exercise in survival for the struggling away side.
Key Battle
The defining clash will materialize in the final third, featuring Genk's creative hub Daan Heymans against the besieged Malmo goalkeeper Robin Olsen. While the Swedish side has leaked goals constantly, Olsen has been forced to perform heroics, recently registering nine saves in a single outing just to keep scorelines respectable. Heymans will test those reflexes early and often. With a high volume of attacking Stars on display for the hosts, expect the Belgian outfit's midfield to bombard the penalty area, forcing the veteran shot-stopper into another busy night.
Our Prediction
Expect one-way traffic from the opening whistle. The hosts will dominate possession, stretch the fragile defense, and eventually break through the Swedish resistance. Our verdict points to a comfortable 3-0 victory for the home team, cementing their push for direct progression.