After the great win in Ostend, our younsters took on the promises of Genk. As always it was an exciting match with two teams fighting for victory. Club NXT pulled the longest straw, just like in the first match. Talbi scored quickly, but after 15 minutes the signs were balanced through Adedeji. Deep in the second half, Audoor scored the deserved 2-1 against ten Genkies, after earlier red for Karetsas.
With Talbi, Homma and Barberá, coach Hayen could count on a lot of offensive talent from the first team. They showed that right from kickoff. Club NXT U23 quickly went in search of the opening goal. That fell after only five minutes. Granados passed the ball to Homma, who delivered perfectly to Talbi. Our fast striker finished off the ball skilfully. Genk also immediately went on the attack. At the corner, Granados was able to block a shot.
After barely fifteen minutes it was 1-1 anyway. Karetsas played Adedeji, who dribbled free. From outside the box, he fired into the upper right corner, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Shinton. Another blocked attack by the visitors was followed by a quick counter by Club NXT. Homma dribbled through the defense and played perfectly towards Granados. Our Spaniard did not expect the ball and gone was the chance for the 2-1. Homma was then blocked on another nice action by Blue-Black. Our Japanese felt perfectly comfortable in The Nest. Great effort was played between the two young teams. Referee Diskeuve also made himself noticed with some yellow cards, including for Barberá and Karetsas.
On the half hour, we missed the 2-1 again. Granados threw the ball in front of goal, after which Talbi and Lenn De Smet were able to strike twice. The last attempt went just wide of the Genk goal. Both teams continued to look for an opening, but the score remained 1-1 at halftime.
