UEFA Europa League Round of 16
Genk 1 - 0 FT SC Freiburg
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
Johan Manzambi 10'
24' Z. El Ouahdi (B. Heynen)
HT
↓ V. Grifo ↑D. Scherhant 63'
↓ J. Beste ↑C. Irie 63'
↓ Y. Suzuki ↑L. Holer 71'
77' ↓ N. Adedeji-Sternberg ↑Y. Sor
77' ↓ J. Kongolo ↑M. Sadick
77' ↓ J. Kayembe ↑Y. Medina
Bruno Ogbus 80'
83' ↓ A. Bibout ↑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 
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
J. Kongolo
LATE SHIFT
13
Late Mins
13
Late Mins
77
Total Mins
77
Entry
M. Smets 
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
J. Kayembe
LATE SHIFT
13
Late Mins
13
Late Mins
77
Total Mins
77
Entry
Midfielders
I. Bangoura
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Karetsas 
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
7
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
B. Heynen 
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
2
Key Passes
7.3
Rating
D. Heymans
STORMTROOPER
3
Shots
3
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
N. Adedeji-Sternberg 
ARCHITECT
5
Key Passes
5
Key Passes
0
Assists
28%
Pass Acc
Forwards
A. Bibout 
MAGNET
45
Activity
45
Activity
24
Passes
21
Duels
BENCH
H. Van Crombrugge 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
K. Nkuba
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Sadick
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Palacios
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Y. Medina
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
N. Sattlberger
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Y. Sor
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Mirisola
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
13
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Ito
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Erabi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Steuckers
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Yokoyama
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
SC Freiburg
Goalkeepers
N. Atubolu
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Midfielders
P. Osterhage
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Manzambi
MAGNET
67
Activity
67
Activity
49
Passes
18
Duels
J. Beste
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
63
Total Mins
63
Entry
Y. Suzuki
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
71
Total Mins
71
Entry
V. Grifo
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
63
Total Mins
63
Entry
Forwards
I. Matanovic
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
BENCH
F. Muller
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
J. Huth
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
L. Kubler
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Makengo
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Steinmann
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Jung
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
P. Lienhart
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
N. Hofler
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Tarnutzer
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
L. Holer
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
19
Total Mins
Started
Entry
D. Scherhant
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
C. Irie
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/12/2026 | Genk | 1 - 0 | SC Freiburg | UEFA Europa League | Cegeka Arena |
03/12/2026
Genk Win
SC Freiburg Win
Draw
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Genk Draw First Blood in Europa League Chess Match
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 41/100. A razor-thin margin separates the sides as the Belgian hosts capitalize on early VAR drama to take a vital advantage to Germany.
Early Jolts and Fine Margins
The atmosphere at Cegeka Arena was electric for this crucial knockout tie. Possession settled into a dead heat, but the Intensity flared up immediately as both sides looked to establish early dominance. The visitors thought they had stunned the home crowd in the 10th minute. Johan Manzambi found the back of the net, seemingly putting SC Freiburg firmly in the driver's seat. However, celebrations were cut short as VAR intervened to chalk the goal off. This dramatic twist in the tale completely reset the tactical board, acting as a massive wake-up call for Genk, who had started somewhat sluggishly. The early exchange of blows proved this tie would be settled by the finest of margins, forcing both managers to reconsider their opening gambits on the touchline.
The Decisive Strike
Surviving the early scare, the hosts found their rhythm and ruthlessly punished the Germans. In the 24th minute, a precise build-up saw B. Heynen carve open the visiting defense, laying it on a plate for Z. El Ouahdi. The defender made no mistake, smashing home to break the deadlock. From that moment, the Balance of attacking threat tilted heavily towards the home side. They unleashed a relentless barrage, turning the pitch into a shooting gallery with 17 total attempts compared to a mere 5 from the visitors. Despite having an equal share of the ball, the German outfit struggled to contain the constant waves of pressure, forced to rely on last-ditch blocks and desperate clearances to keep the deficit to just one goal.
To Germany We Go
Despite the heavy bombardment, the visitors refused to completely fold. They pushed back in the latter stages, utilizing set-piece opportunities to mount a response. With 7 corners to their name, they tested the home penalty area repeatedly. However, Tobias Okiki Lawal stood resolute between the sticks, marshaling his defense to secure a vital clean sheet. The Stakes for the return leg on March 19th are monumental. The hosts carry a fragile 1-0 advantage to Germany, knowing a hostile reception awaits them. This first leg delivered high drama, but it has only set the stage for an explosive conclusion where survival is the only objective. The tie is perfectly poised, leaving fans to wonder if that canceled early strike will haunt the visitors or act as fuel for their ultimate revenge.
Key Questions
How did VAR change this match?
A 10th-minute goal from Johan Manzambi was ruled out, denying Freiburg an early lead and allowing Genk to seize momentum.
What does this mean for Genk's season?
They carry a vital one-goal advantage into the Europa League Round of 16 return leg on March 19th, boosting their hopes of advancing.
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.
Quarter-Final Dreams on the Line in Belgium
Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 84/100. This incredibly tight Round of 16 first leg demands perfection from two sides desperate to edge closer to European glory.
The Setup
The lights shine bright at the Cegeka Arena this March 12, 2026, as Genk welcome SC Freiburg for the first act of this crucial knockout tie. With the second leg looming in Germany just a week later, establishing an early advantage is paramount. An off-the-charts Balance rating highlights just how evenly matched these two outfits are. Both teams bring solid Form into this clash, with the hosts winning four of their last five continental outings, while the visitors boast an equally stubborn defensive record, having conceded just four times in eight matches. The Stakes are massive; it is survive or go home in this unrelenting pursuit of a quarter-final ticket.
Key Battle
A true clash of top-tier Stars will decide the tempo on the flanks and in the penalty area. Keep an eye on the duel between Zakaria El Ouahdi and Freiburg's imposing goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. El Ouahdi has been a relentless attacking outlet, slicing through defenses, while Atubolu has proven virtually impassable, racking up nineteen saves and three clean sheets. If Genk's wide man finds space, the German shot-stopper will need to be at his absolute best.
Our Prediction
We expect a cagey but intense affair that ends in a 1-1 stalemate. Neither side will want to overcommit and risk throwing the tie away before the return trip to the Black Forest. Genk will likely dominate early possession, but Freiburg's organized low block should frustrate them enough to force a decisive second leg.