UEL: FC Midtjylland Edge Genk 1-0, Eye Europa League Knockout Spot

Midtjylland win puts them on brink of Europa League Round of 16

FC Midtjylland beat Genk 1-0, moving to the top of the Europa League table and on the cusp of qualifying for the Round of 16.

Midtjylland had a golden opportunity to seal the win with 20 minutes left, but Cho Gue-sung's scuffed shot from inside...

Midtjylland is on the cusp of securing a Europa League knockout spot after edging Genk 1-0 at the MCH Arena. The win propels them to the top of the league phase table, with the Danish side showcasing their attacking prowess.

The hosts had an electrifying start, nearly scoring within the first 15 seconds as Darío Osorio broke free on goal, only to be thwarted by Hendrik Van Crombrugge's impressive block. The intensity was palpable, and Midtjylland's momentum continued to build from there.

The match was electric from the get-go, with Midtjylland threatening to score early. Just five minutes in, Yaimar Medina's close-range shot had Genk's fans on edge, but it narrowly missed the post. The Danish side bounced back, though, and took the lead shortly after the 15-minute mark.

The goal was a result of some sloppy goalkeeping by Genk's Van Crombrugge, who spilled Darío Osorio's long-range effort, allowing Cho Gue-sung to tap it home from close range. The MCH Arena erupted, and Midtjylland looked to be in control, with the momentum swinging in their favor.

Midtjylland continued to push for a second goal midway through the first half, but Cho Gue-sung's firm shot was well-handled by Van Crombrugge. Despite the narrow lead, the Danish side had dominated possession and created more clear-cut chances, making their lead look like a fair reflection of the game.

The second half started off quietly, with neither team creating many scoring opportunities. The intensity of the opening 45 minutes was largely absent, and chances were limited to speculative long-range shots that didn't trouble either goalkeeper. Midtjylland's lead looked secure, but Genk was still very much in the game, waiting for a chance to strike back.

Midtjylland had a golden opportunity to seal the win with 20 minutes left, but Cho Gue-sung's scuffed shot from inside the box was easily saved by Genk's goalkeeper. The visitors pushed back, sensing a chance to equalize, and grew more urgent as time ticked away.

Fought until the end. Sunday we go again 💙#UEL #krcgenk #mijnploeg pic.twitter.com/CWIwHRjdvV

— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) December 11, 2025

Genk's desperation almost paid off when Bryan Heynen was left unmarked in the box, but his header flew wildly over the bar, much to the dismay of the travelling fans. The miss was a costly one, as Midtjylland held on to their lead, putting them on the brink of securing a Europa League knockout spot.

Read Also: Genk's Thorsten Fink Under Fire: Can He Turn It Around?

Midtjylland's win was a welcome relief for coach Mike Tullberg, ending a run of poor form. The Danish side's unbeaten streak in all competitions is now four games, and they're on the cusp of a Europa League knockout spot. The team will be pleased with their performance, despite making hard work of the closing stages.

Genk, on the other hand, was left frustrated, missing out on a chance to secure a top-eight finish. With two league phase matches left, their hopes now hang in the balance, and they'll be disappointed to have dropped points at home.