Deficit and Comeback
In the second half, Antwerp trailed 1‑4 against Genk. The team, however, staged a spectacular comeback and clawed back to 4‑4. All four late goals came between the 80th and 88th minute, a period during which Genk lost control.
Genk defender Josué Kongolo sighed: "This is just painful, it really feels like a defeat." He added: "I have seen a lot in football, but I don’t think I’ve experienced this before."
Antwerp coach Jess Thorup summed up the evening: "We were 1‑4 up and you always have to hold on." He noted that the team lost control in the last 15 minutes and that individual mistakes began to surface.
Matte Smets, who commented for DAZN, stated: "This just shouldn’t happen." He stressed the need for more stability and maturity: "Play smarter and lose the ball less quickly, because then you run into counter‑attacks."
Team Reactions
Defender Rein Van Helden admitted the 1‑4 deficit was a blow. "But when Eran Tuypens made the 2‑4, we believed again," he said. Michael Frey, the right‑back, added: "We never give up, and that’s why I’m so proud of the team."
Coach Marvin Compper praised the fans: "Seeing how much support we get from our supporters gives us so many wings." He also highlighted the young players’ effort: "We have a very young squad, with four debutants, and yet we manage to turn this situation around."
Van Helden noted that the team started 7‑9, but there was no 9‑9. "We need to aim higher and not settle for a draw," he said. Compper added: "We started well and then let Genk come back too easily. With their quality, you know you have to be 100% on the lesson."
The Role of the Supporters
Antwerp’s supporters played a key role in the comeback. The stands gave the players the energy needed to erase the deficit. "It still feels a bit sour because of those four late goals," concluded Compper. "Something like that simply shouldn’t happen."
