Genk vs Celta Vigo
UEFA Europa League Quarterfinal Second Leg
Date: Thursday, 20th April 2017
Kick-off at 20:05 UK / 21:05 CET
Venue: Cristal Arena (Genk).
Genk played out another thriller in the Europa League last week when they visited Celta Vigo for the first leg of their quarter final. They went 1-0 up within ten minutes but were quickly pegged back by the hosts, and by the time half-time rolled around they were 3-1 down to the Spaniards. The Belgians rallied around in the second half and clinched a potentially crucial second goal, but now they need to win the home leg of this tie to stand any chance of going through.
They did bounce back at the weekend with a 3-0 win over Kortrijk domestically, leaving them four points clear at the top of their Europa League Playoff round of the Belgian First Division. With them being by far the best team of this table split they have a fairly easy run in, and that allows a lot of focus to be placed on the Europa League.
At home Genk have won six, drawn two, and lost one of their last nine games in all competitions, including their 1-0 win against Astra in the Europa League and their draw at home to Gent that saw them through to the quarter finals.
Celta Vigo boosted their confidence further at the weekend with a convincing 3-0 win away to Granada though, to make it five wins and three defeats from their last eight games in all competitions.
In the Europa League they have now eliminated Krasnodar and Shakhtar Donetsk, and they will feel they have a real chance of making it to the final, if they can navigate this away leg.
Genk are a difficult side to beat at home though. They may have become known for their attack minded ways on the road but at home they offer a lot in the defensive department. They have conceded just two goals at home in the Europa League this season, winning seven of their eight matches and losing none.
Celta Vigo have won three, drawn one, and lost one of their five trips away in the competition this season, so I think this could be a very tight clash. Considering Genk’s quality at home I do think they have the slight edge though, so I’m backing a Genk 0.0 Asian Handicap at 1.900 alongside a tight 2-1 correct score predictions at 9/1.
Genk vs Celta Vigo: Head-to-head
The first leg clash is the first ever meeting between the two sides in a UEFA competition.
Genk have a poor record against Spanish teams as they hold a record of 1 win, 4 draws and 4 losses from 9 matches. However, they are unbeaten at home with a win and 3 draws from the 4 matches.
Celta are unbeaten against Belgian sides in UEFA competitions. The 7 meetings saw 3 wins and 4 draws. Their record in Belgium is 1 win and 2 draws from 3 matches.
Genk vs Celta Vigo: Prediction
The two away goals will be the key for Genk here. Coming on the back of an excellent scoring touch and brilliant home form, the Belgians look good to overturn the slender deficit. On the other hand, Celta are a dangerous counter attacking team and therefore over 2.5 goals seem like the best bet for this fixture.
