Genk Hold Off Motherwell Fightback in Friendly Thriller

Motherwell and KRC Genk served up a lively friendly encounter at Fir Park, with both teams using the July fixture to sharpen their match fitness ahead of the new season. The Scottish side started brightly and took the lead through E. Just in the 28th minute, giving the home crowd something to cheer about in what was shaping up as a competitive afternoon.

The Belgian visitors responded quickly and impressively. A. Bibout drew them level just four minutes later in the 32nd minute, then D. Heymans put Genk ahead with a goal before the break in the 44th minute. Motherwell found themselves chasing the game heading into the second half, but Genk struck again early after the interval when Bibout claimed his second of the afternoon in the 49th minute to make it 1-3. The away side had taken control of the contest through clinical finishing and some slick attacking play.

Motherwell refused to lie down despite falling three goals behind. They clawed their way back into the match and managed to add two more goals to their tally, setting up a tense finale where they pushed hard for an equaliser. Genk, though, held firm and managed their lead effectively when it mattered, showing the resilience needed for a pre-season victory on the road.

The result will provide both sides with plenty to work on as they prepare for their domestic campaigns. Genk will be pleased with their away performance and their ability to kill off a determined Motherwell side, while the hosts can take encouragement from their second-half rally even in defeat. These friendlies offered both teams a proper test before competitive football returns.