Zulte-Waregem vs Genk preview

Belgium flag 2026/2027 Pro League, Belgium
Elindus Arena Sun, 9 Aug - 2:00 PM
Pro League
Zulte-WaregemZUL
2 1
GenkGNK
Full Time Sun, 9 Aug 2:00 PM
Round 1 Regular Season
Marley Ake - 82'
Serxho Ujka - 86'
Goal
|
Goal

CONTEXT

Zulte-Waregem hosted Genk in a match that concluded with a 2-1 home victory. The halftime score stood at 0-1 after Genk took the lead. Zulte-Waregem recorded 38 percent possession compared to Genk's 62 percent. Expected goals stood at 0.52 for the home side and 0.67 for the visitors, producing a differential of minus 0.15. No red cards were issued to either team. The stronger side according to pre-match assessment was Genk, yet the winner was Zulte-Waregem. The outcome proved inconsistent with the expected goals distribution while showing significant structural deviation favoring the home team.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Significant deviation occurred in favor of Zulte-Waregem despite lower possession and expected goals.
  • Efficiency shift: Efficiency remained in line with the observed performance metrics for both sides.
  • xG alignment: The final result was not consistent with the xG distribution of 0.52 to 0.67.
  • Market alignment: The outcome aligned with market expectations despite the xG differential.
  • xG expectations: Genk held higher xG expectations at 0.67 compared to Zulte-Waregem's 0.52.
  • Event impact: The second-half turnaround produced the 2-1 score after trailing 0-1 at halftime.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards were recorded, resulting in zero distortion to the match dynamics.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
K. Van Damme
K. Van Damme
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
K. Debeuckelaere
K. Debeuckelaere
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
J. Vermeire
J. Vermeire
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
M. Simonini
M. Simonini
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Zulte-Waregem M. Beale
M. Beale
VS
Genk J. Thorup
J. Thorup
1.58
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.65
2.67 i
Last 6 Opponents
Dender Rank: 64 W
Cercle Brugge Rank: 71 W
La Louvière Rank: 67 W
La Louvière Rank: 67 W
Dender Rank: 64 W
Cercle Brugge Rank: 71 D
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1.5 i
Last 6 Opponents
Gent Rank: 75 D
OH Leuven Rank: 68 W
Antwerp Rank: 73 D
Standard Liège Rank: 74 D
Westerlo Rank: 72 W
Sporting Charleroi Rank: 75 L
1
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
1 - 0 - 1
1

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
72.35
78.72
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Zulte-Waregem
Genk
Power Score
72.35
78.72
League Position
6
14
Global Rank
213
95

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Zulte-Waregem — Opponent-weighted form score
Genk — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Zulte-Waregem Genk

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Zulte-Waregem

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Genk

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

Zulte-Waregem ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy Genk
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
34.08
19.84
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
19.84
34.08
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
Zulte-Waregem +1.24 Efficiency Index
vs
Genk -1.24 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
Zulte-Waregem
Genk
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Zulte-Waregem
vs
Genk
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Zulte-Waregem Genk
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
48%
26%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.25 vs -0.18
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Zulte-Waregem Genk
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
26%
48%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.18 vs -0.25
Zulte-Waregem
Genk
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Zulte-Waregem
vs
Genk
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Zulte-Waregem Genk
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Zulte-Waregem 0.28
Genk 0.22
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Zulte-Waregem Genk
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Zulte-Waregem 0.02
Genk 0.05
Zulte-Waregem
Genk
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • GNK had peak pressure around 69'.
  • GNK started the game with stronger pressure.
ZUL Pressure GNK Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: GNK reached the top pressure at 69' (69.62).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 2 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Zulte-Waregem ZUL Home
2 matches
Genk GNK Away
Match Record
1
Wins
1
0
Draws
0
1
Losses
1
Goals
4
Goals Scored
4
4
Goals Conceded
4
0
Goal Difference
0
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-10T07:46:28+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-3-2-1
Match Formation 4-2-3-1
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Aug 09, 2026, 02:00 PM
Competition
2026/2027 Pro League, Belgium · Round 1 · Regular Season
Stadium
Elindus Arena
Capacity
12500
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Kevin Van Damme
K. Debeuckelaere
J. Vermeire
Matonga Simonini

Statistics

Possession
ZUL
42%
GNK
58%

Top Statistics

2 Goals 1
0 Big Chances Created 2
4 Shots 4
39 Dangerous attacks 46
38 Possession 62
6 Corners 3
16 Free kicks 13
1 Yellow Cards 4

Match Overview

56 Ball Safe 56
7 Goal Kicks 9
9 Goal Attempts 6
3 Substitutions 5
20 Throwins 19
0 Hit Woodwork 1
9 Successful Headers 12
1 Assists 1
18 Dribble Attempts 17
11 Successful Dribbles 6
61 Successful Dribbles Percentage 35

Attacking

99 Attacks 128
0 Big Chances Missed 1

Possession

38 Long Passes 46
351 Passes 595
286 Successful Passes 533
81 Successful Passes Percentage 90
8 Key Passes 10
20 Successful Long Passes 30
53 Successful Long Passes Percentage 65

Defensive

2 Saves 3
24 Tackles 17
9 Interceptions 13
59 Duels Won 48

Build-up

18 Total Crosses 13
6 Accurate Crosses 4

Discipline

0 Offsides 2
13 Fouls 16

Lineup

Referee : Kevin Van Damme

Starting XI ▼

1
Louis Bostyn
Louis Bostyn Goalkeeper
6.87
4
Laurent Lemoine
Laurent Lemoine (C) Defender
6.96
5
Jakob Kiilerich
Jakob Kiilerich Defender
6.98
12
Wilguens Paugain
Wilguens Paugain Defender
7.03
49
Franz Tangala
Franz Tangala
Midfielder90+2'
55
Yannick Cappelle
Yannick Cappelle Defender
7.01
6
Enrique Lofolomo
Enrique Lofolomo Midfielder
6.8
8
Thomas Claes
Thomas Claes Midfielder
7.03
11
Marley Ake
Marley Ake Midfielder
7.82
20
Tobias Hedl
Tobias Hedl Midfielder
6.48
36
Serxho Ujka
Serxho Ujka
Midfielder76'
7.34
21
István Átrok
István Átrok Midfielder
6.81
7
Nikola Mituljikić
Nikola Mituljikić
Attacker64'
6.64
18
Anosike Ementa
Anosike Ementa Attacker
6.96
Referee : Kevin Van Damme

Starting XI ▼

28
Lucca Brughmans
Lucca Brughmans Goalkeeper
6.74
18
Joris Kayembe
Joris Kayembe Defender
7.05
19
Yaimar Medina
Yaimar Medina
Defender72'
6.23
24
Nikolas Sattlberger
Nikolas Sattlberger Defender
6.72
44
Josué Kongolo
Josué Kongolo Defender
6.49
77
Zakaria El Ouahdi
Zakaria El Ouahdi Defender
6.95
65
Christian Akpan
Christian Akpan
Defender72'
6.05
8
Bryan Heynen
Bryan Heynen (C) Midfielder
6.61
10
Junya Ito
Junya Ito Midfielder
6.89
11
Jeppe Erenbjerg
Jeppe Erenbjerg Midfielder
6.81
29
Robin Mirisola
Robin Mirisola
Attacker87'
21
Ibrahima Bangoura
Ibrahima Bangoura Midfielder
6.61
38
Daan Heymans
Daan Heymans Midfielder
6.67
30
Ayumu Yokoyama
Ayumu Yokoyama
Attacker72'
6.64
17
Rafiu Durosinmi
Rafiu Durosinmi Attacker
7.52
23
Aaron Bibout
Aaron Bibout
Attacker61'
6.58

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Franz Tangala → Wilguens Paugain
8th Substitution
90+2'
90+1'
Event
Yaimar Medina
Foul / 5th Yellowcard
87'
Event
Robin Mirisola → Jeppe Erenbjerg
7th Substitution
Event
Serxho Ujka
Left foot shot / 3rd Goal
86'
86'
Event
Christian Akpan
Foul / 4th Yellowcard
Event
Marley Ake
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
82'
81'
Event
Josué Kongolo
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
Event
Serxho Ujka → Tobias Hedl
6th Substitution
76'
72'
Event
Christian Akpan → Zakaria El Ouahdi
3rd Substitution
72'
Event
Yaimar Medina → Joris Kayembe
4th Substitution
72'
Event
Ayumu Yokoyama → Daan Heymans
5th Substitution
Event
Nikola Mituljikić → István Átrok
2nd Substitution
64'
61'
Event
Aaron Bibout → Rafiu Durosinmi
1st Substitution
Event
Anosike Ementa
Foul / 2nd Yellowcard
52'
1ST-HALF
42'
Event
Daan Heymans
Foul / 1st Yellowcard
39'
Event
Rafiu Durosinmi
Header / 1st Goal

Match Commentary

90
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
90
Update Update
Franz Tangala comes on for Wilguens Paugain.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yaimar Medina receives a yellow card.
89
Attempt Attempt
Robin Mirisola attempts a header but misses the shot.
89
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
88
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yaimar Medina receives a yellow card.
87
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
86
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Serxho Ujka takes a left-footed shot and scores.
86
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Christian Akpan receives a yellow card.
86
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Serxho Ujka scores to make it 2-1, assisted by Anosike Ementa.
82
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Christian Akpan receives a yellow card.
82
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Serxho Ujka scores, making it 2-1.
81
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Marley Ake scores, making it 1-1.
80
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Josue Ndenge Kongolo.
76
Update Update
Serxho Ujka comes on for Tobias Hedl.
76
Update Update
Offside.
74
Attempt Attempt
Bryan Heynen attempts a header but misses the shot.
74
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
72
Update Update
Ayumu Yokoyama comes on for Daan Heymans.
72
Update Update
Yaimar Medina comes on for Joris Kayembe.
72
Update Update
Christian Akpan is on, and Zakaria El Ouahdi is off.
70
Attempt Attempt
Thomas Claes takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
70
Attempt Attempt
Marley Ake takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
70
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
70
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
64
Substitution Substitution
Substitution: Nikola Mituljikic comes on for Istvan Atrok.
64
Attempt Attempt
Bryan Heynen takes a right-footed shot but misses.
61
Substitution Substitution
Aaron Bibout is substituted for Rafiu Durosinmi.
61
Attempt Attempt
Thomas Claes takes a right-footed shot but misses.
58
Attempt Attempt
Tobias Hedl takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
58
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
52
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Anosike Ementa.
49
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card shown to Anosike Ementa.
45
Attempt Attempt
Shot by Anosike Ementa with his right foot, but it misses the target.
42
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued to Daan Heymans.
39
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot - Rafiu Durosinmi Head Shot Goal
39
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Rafiu Durosinmi scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Junya Ito.
31
Corner Corner
Corner kick awarded.
28
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
23
Attempt Attempt
Marley Ake takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
23
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
16
Attempt Attempt
Rafiu Durosinmi takes a right-footed shot but misses.
16
Attempt Attempt
Daan Heymans takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
9
Attempt Attempt
Jeppe Erenbjerg takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
9
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
6
Update Update
Offside.
4
Attempt Attempt
Jeppe Erenbjerg takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
2
Attempt Attempt
Istvan Atrok takes a shot with his head, but it's saved.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Kevin Van Damme.

CONCLUSION

Zulte-Waregem secured the 2-1 result through effective second-half adjustments that overcame both the halftime deficit and the lower expected goals total. Genk maintained greater possession and created slightly more expected goal value yet failed to convert that edge into a match-winning performance. The absence of red cards kept the contest at full strength throughout, allowing the structural deviation to determine the outcome. Efficiency metrics aligned closely with the final scoreline even as the xG figures pointed toward a different result. This match illustrated how possession and chance creation do not always translate directly into points when execution varies across halves.