AA Gent thrashed; stunt victory for Genk

In the Europa League, it was an evening of mixed fortunes for the 4 Belgian clubs. AA Gent received a beating in Lvov, in the Ukraine, from Shakhtar Donetsk (5-0), while Genk managed to stun Basque side Athletic de Bilbao 2-0 in Limburg. Meanwhile, Anderlecht and Standard were held to a draw.
It was a frustrating evening for AA Gent coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck.

AA Gent suffered their first defeat in Europe this season. It was also the heaviest defeat overall under the 2.5 year reign of coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck. AA Gent matched their Ukrainian hosts in play, but eventually had to swallow a bitter pill due to their own failure in finishing the chances they created, and due to several blunders in defence.

Shakhtar are 1 of only 3 sides in the Europa League to keep a perfect record of 3 wins in the group stage (together with Schalke 04 and Zenit Saint Petersburg). AA Gent retain second place in their group after Konyaspor and Braga drew 1-all.

Genk win both home games

KRC Genk sent Bilbao back to Spain empty-handed, with one goal in each half. The win sends Genk top of Group F with 6 points, 2 ahead of Rapid Wien and Sassuolo. Genk both their home matches, but lost in Vienna. (photo below: Brabec scored the opener for Genk).

Standard can't be entirely happy after being held to a 2-all draw at home by Panathinaikos, although it could have been worse. Belfodil equalised in the final 5 minutes of the game. Standard only have 2 points from 3 games, with Ajax leading their group with 7 points. The Greeks just managed their first points.

Anderlecht took a point home from Mainz in Germany (1-1) after yet another goal from in-form striker Lucasz Theodorczyk. All teams have 5 points now: Anderlecht, Mainz, Saint-Etienne, Qabala.

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