Genk escape major embarrassment to meet Cork City

In football, KRC Genk advanced to the Europa League's 3rd preliminary round after ousting Buducnost Podgorica of Montenegro, but only just. What had to become a walk in the park, almost became a nightmare for the Limburgers. They now meet Cork City of Ireland.

Genk had won the first tie 2-0 in Belgium. However, they had to swallow a goal after just 30 seconds on a hot evening in Montenegro. Genk were 2-0 behind before the break and matters got worse when they were reduced to 10 men, after central defender Bennard Kumordzi was sent off.

The match went into extra time, but the aggregate score was still at 2-all after 120 minutes. Favourites Genk were facing an embarrassing exit from Europe (they are expected to make it at least to the 4th and final preliminary round or to the group stage) but set things straight in the penalty shoot-out, 4-2.

In the 3rd round, Genk are facing Ireland's Cork City. The matches take place next Thursday and the week after.

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