Marvin Compper has explained Antwerp's spectacular 4-4 draw against KRC Genk following an evening of high drama. The team came back from a 1-4 deficit in the final stages on Saturday night, a feat the coach described as "A crazy game".
This resilience fits the current form of the Great Old. Antwerp currently sits fourth in the Jupiler Pro League with seven points from three matches, following two wins and a draw. They have scored nine goals and conceded five, giving them a positive goal difference of +4. In the title race, they trail leaders Club Brugge KV by just two points.
The match started promisingly for Antwerp, who took an early lead themselves. That early 1-0 advantage, however, did not lead to control. Genk hit back hard and scored their first two goals from set pieces. Compper's team struggled with the opponent's quick transitions, which saw the score balloon to a seemingly hopeless 1-4. The real reaction only ignited in the 80th minute.
Eran Tuypens and Michael Frey were the goalscorers who forced the improbable equalizer. The energy at the end was great according to the coach. He brought on eighteen- and nineteen-year-old players. Antwerp even fielded four debutants. Compper was proud of his young team's reaction and impressed by their fighting spirit. In the dressing room, he told his players: "Ik heb in de kleedkamer 'chapeau' gezegd tegen mijn spelers".
Anthony Valencia opened the scoring for Antwerp but did not play in the second half. Coach Compper indicated the substitution was for a medical reason. Valencia was suffering from stomach cramps and felt very unwell, preventing him from continuing. After the match, he felt better due to medication.
Compper was very happy with Valencia's performance during his time on the pitch. Regarding any transfer rumours surrounding the player, the manager declined to comment. The focus is entirely on sporting recovery and commitment to the team.
Although the comeback feels like a moral victory, Compper was not happy about conceding four goals. Defensive solidity remains a point of attention. The team must carry this resilience into the next match. They host St. Truiden on August 30th, a team currently in twelfth place. It is a chance to continue the good run at home.
The current standings and statistics can be followed on our standings page. The upcoming schedule is available on the fixtures calendar. The deployment of young players shows the importance of a deep squad. The reaction against Genk shows the character needed for a successful season where every point counts.
