LIVE: Ito Corrects Penalty Mistake, Secures Genk’s Virtual Qualification 3-2

In a thrilling UEFA Europa League matchup, KRC Genk faced Dinamo Zagreb on February 26, 2026. The game was crucial for Genk as they aimed for a place in the round of 16 after securing a 3-1 victory in the first leg. However, the second leg proved to be a nail-biting contest, ending in a dramatic 3-3 draw.

Match Overview

The match took place at the Cegeka Arena, where Genk fought to maintain their aggregate lead. Early on, it seemed they would struggle to secure advancement. A costly mistake from Lawal before halftime allowed Dinamo Zagreb’s Monsef Bakrar to score, giving them a 1-0 lead right before the whistle.

Key Events

• First Half: Genk went into halftime trailing 0-1 after Bakrar capitalized on a defensive error.
• Second Half: Just five minutes after the break, Yira Sor equalized for Genk, making it 1-1.
• Penalty Incident: A mistake by Ito led to a penalty for Dinamo, successfully converted by Luka Stojkovic, making it 1-2.
• Stojkovic’s Double: Stojkovic extended Dinamo’s lead to 1-3 with another stunning goal, putting Genk in a precarious position.
• Extra Time Goals: Genk redeemed themselves with vital contributions from Ito and Daan Heymans, equalizing at 3-3 to ensure qualification.

Highlight Performances

Luka Stojkovic was a standout performer for Dinamo, scoring twice and initially putting Genk on the back foot. However, Genk’s resilience shone through in extra time, particularly from Ito, who scored a crucial goal to pull them back into contention.

Statistics

Conclusion

This match was a rollercoaster of emotions for KRC Genk, demonstrating their ability to withstand pressure and secure a spot in the next round despite facing formidable opposition. After the tense draw, Genk will move forward in the Europa League, needing to refine their defensive strategies to avoid such scares in future matches.