Genk and Ferencváros unexpectedly find themselves in mid-table of the Europa League’s league phase. It seemed these teams would achieve less, especially the Hungarian club. Can they prove otherwise?
Genk
Last week Genk played away to Rangers, who at the end of August had been thrashed by another Belgian side, Club Brugge (1:3 at home and 0:6 away), and in terms of level Genk are clearly inferior to the Glasgow side. However, the Belgians won the match 1:0. Rangers’ problems began late in the first half — first a straight red card, then a penalty that Oh Hyeon-gyu failed to convert, but in the 55th minute he still scored after a quick counterattack.
Ferencváros
In Ferencváros’ first match there was also a sending-off, only this time in their own ranks. From the 37th minute the hosts played without their right winger Cebrail Makreckis. Already trailing 0:1, the team showed character. Although chances were rare before the break (just two off-target shots), after the pause Ferencváros stepped up: eight shots, 0.90 xG, and in the 94th minute striker Aleksandar Pešić headed in the equaliser after a cross into Viktoria Plzeň’s penalty area. Above all, the draw came about because the Czech club were ineffective and failed to take their chances.
Genk vs Ferencváros Prediction
Despite the point earned by Ferencváros, we agree with the bookmakers: Genk clearly look stronger and might even provoke another red card for the Hungarian side. A home win is expected.
