Anderlecht turned on the style against champions Genk and they could easily have scored more than the four they did put past Logan Bailly. Dieumerci Mbokani was the star of the show but honourable mentions to Sacha Kljestan and Matias Suarez. They are still seven points clear of Club Brugge and Gent, but that’s only 3 ½ points once the playoffs kick in. Genk tried hard and it was good to see Christian Benteke have a good game up front. Anderlecht’s Wasilewski, who was lucky not to get a red card for a tackle on the disappointing Kevin de Bruyne, will miss the game with Standard.
Club Brugge had their third successive victory and the new signings seem to be settling quickly. Mushanga Bakenga scored and Jordi Figueras looks strong at the back. Israeli Rafaelov looks happier in a free role. On Saturday, Gent edged out Leuven 3-2 to stay in second place. Benito Raman (17) debuted for Gent and was replaced for a few minutes by – out of favour – Yassine El Ghanassy. Standard Liege won 2-0 at Lierse with another goal from teenager Michy Batshuayi. There was a bout of ‘handbags’ and stupidity at the end of the game and William Vainqueur and Felipe will undoubtedly miss next week’s clash with Anderlecht. Lierse chairman was unhappy about the referee and that’s an understatement.
The strugglers – Westerlo and Sint Truiden – both lost and they seem to be the only candidates for relegation. Cercle Brugge – Igor Vetokele scored – took the points at Sint Truiden and they are one of seven teams aiming to be in the top six and the playoffs. Mons and Lokeren both rested players with the cup in mind; the match ended with three points for Lokeren.
Results
Leuven 2 Gent 3
Sint Truiden 0 Cercle Brugge 1
Mechelen 0 Kortrijk 0
Lokeren 3 Mons 1
Zulte Waregem 3 Westerlo 1
Lierse 0 Standard 2
Anderlecht 4 Genk 2
Club Brugge 5 Beershcot 1