Olympiakos vs KRC Genk: Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round Preview 

Olympiakos vs KRC Genk: 
Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round Preview 


By Stephen Kountourou 




We have now learned after weeks of waiting and wondering, who Olympiakos' first bout of the new season would be. But it's not quite who everyone expected. Many assumed that it would be a logical conclusion to the Champions League qualifier that would decide Olympiakos' opponent in the Europa League qualifiers. But football, as ever, is unpredictable. 


Rather than the side everyone predicted, that being Swiss side Servette, Thrylos instead will be playing Belgian side Genk. On paper, a much tougher opponent. Despite the huge difference in squad value, Genk was handed a shock exit to Servette. Even after being 1-0 ahead on the half-hour mark and Servette being down to 10 men, the Swiss side managed to make it 2-2 by the end of normal time. 


After extra time, penalties ensued with Servette, against all odds, winning the tie and progressing to the next round. Genk was forced to settle with dropping to the Europa League qualifiers, where Olympiakos lay in wait. As it transpired, the two legs of the Champions League tie showed no matter who Olympiakos could have been drawn to the face, it was never going to be easy. 


Scott Coyne, from the Belgium Football Podcast on Genks Champions League exit said: “There was a general feeling of frustration and disappointment. Offensively Genk were good, but made poor choices at key moments of the tie and defensively was weak in key phases v Servette. Europe has proved difficult recently for Genk. They have only won 1 of their last 18 European fixtures. ”


Both sides have never faced each other competitively, with their only encounter being a friendly match back in the summer of 2018. Genk comfortably thrashed Olympiakos 4-0 on that occasion. 


At the time of writing Thrylos has played Belgium teams 10 times. The three sides the Piraeus side played previously were Anderlecht with three wins and three losses, Royal Antwerp with one win and one loss and Standard Liege with one win and one loss. 


This equates to a record of five wins, zero draws and five defeats, so an even record. Olympiakos also has a positive goal difference against Belgian sides at 15 goals scored and 14 against. 


Finally, Olympiakos boasts an excellent home record with four wins and one loss. Travelling to Belgium is a different story, with one win and four losses away. Something customary with Olympiakos and other Greek sides.


Genk on the other hand have not played a side from Greece for over 20 years. Their only encounters have been with Panachaiki and AEK Athens. Even with only three matches played against Greek opposition, Genk is undefeated, having beaten Panachaiki once and drawn twice with AEK. Their goal difference stands at five goals scored and three conceded in three matches. 


Scott Coyne on the Belgian perception of Olympiakos as Genks opponent also said: “Olympiakos are perceived as being a tough tie for Genk and confidence among the fanbase about overcoming Olympiakos is not high because of that European record.” Coyne also made clear that despite Genk's poor European record, squad-wise, they are in a good place right now and under coach Wouter Vrancken they play an exciting attacking brand of football.


Genk is a tough return to competitive football for Olympiakos, but Diego Martinez has worked hard over pre-season to get his side ready for anything in the coming season. If Thrylos has any hope of progressing to the Europa League playoffs, a first-leg win at the Karaiskakis Stadium is vital.


@SteveKountourou 

Hellas Football 




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