GENK, Belgium — The Cegeka Arena played host to a captivating script on Boxing Day as Nicky Hayen made his debut as the head coach of KRC Genk against the very team he led to a league title just months ago. In a match defined by early fireworks and narrative-heavy subplots, Club Brugge ultimately spoiled the homecoming of their former manager, securing a narrow 2-1 victory in the opening clash of Jupiler Pro League’s Matchday 20.
The fixture was charged with emotion from the outset. Hayen, who was unexpectedly dismissed by Club Brugge in early December despite his historical success, stepped into the Genk dugout with a point to prove. However, his intimate knowledge of the Brugge squad was not enough to stop a clinical visiting side that struck twice in the opening twenty minutes.
A Lightning Start for the Visitors
Club Brugge, currently sitting second in the league, showed exactly why they remain the primary challengers to Union SG. They exploited a nervous Genk defense early on, moving the ball with the precision and confidence typical of a team chasing a consecutive title.
- 13th Minute — The Breakthrough: Following a period of sustained pressure, Hans Vanaken orchestrated a move that sliced through the Genk midfield. A perfectly weighted pass found Hugo Vetlesen in the center of the box, who struck a firm right-footed shot past the outstretched arms of the keeper to make it 0-1.
- 22nd Minute — Doubling the Lead: Before Genk could catch their breath, Brugge struck again. A cross from Maxim De Cuyper found the rising Romeo Vermant, whose clinical header soared into the top corner. At 0-2, it appeared the “Hayen Revolution” at Genk might be over before it truly began.
Sor Sparks the Fightback
Despite the disastrous start, Hayen’s influence was visible in Genk’s resilience. Refusing to crumble, the home side found a lifeline just a minute after conceding the second.
Yira Sor, the Nigerian speedster, became the protagonist of the first half’s most dramatic sequence. In the 23rd minute, Sor was released into space, outpacing the Brugge defense before slotting a cool finish past Van den Heuvel. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, drawing groans from the home faithful, but a swift VAR intervention overturned the decision, confirming Sor was onside.
The Cegeka Arena erupted as the scoreboard changed to 1-2, shifting the momentum squarely in favor of the Limburgers.
Midfield Tussle and Defensive Heroics
The remainder of the first half was a masterclass in high-stakes Belgian football. Genk captain Bryan Heynen put in a monumental shift, highlighted by a goal-saving tackle in the 27th minute to deny Hans Vanaken what looked like a certain third goal for Brugge.
| Match Statistic | KRC Genk | Club Brugge |
| Possession | 47% | 53% |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 6 |
| Pass Accuracy | 87% | 87% |
| Corners | 6 | 7 |
The “Hayen Factor”
For Nicky Hayen, the match was a bitter-sweet introduction. Having been presented to the press only days prior on December 23rd, he has had little time to implement his tactical philosophy. Yet, the fight shown by his players suggests that the talent-laden Genk squad—currently sitting 7th—is ready to buy into his vision.
“I have no desire to hide,” Hayen had stated during his unveiling. “I know this Brugge team well, but today was about our group and our growth.”
While the result leaves Genk searching for their first win under the new regime, the performance against a top-tier opponent provides a silver lining for the fans. Club Brugge, meanwhile, continues its march at the top of the table, proving that even without Hayen, they remain a formidable machine.