Belgian First Division wrap: Anderlecht salvage point, Genk cruise

Anderlecht left it late to escape with a 2-2 draw against Standard Liege in the Belgian First Division on Sunday, as Genk beat Club Brugge.

John van den Brom’s league-leading Anderlecht opened the scoring in just the second minute through midfielder Lucas Biglia but were pegged back 20 minutes later when Michy Batshuayi turned home his sixth goal of the season.

The home side were reduced to 10 men when Serbian winger Milan Jovanovic was show a straight red card six minutes before the break.

Liege then went ahead thanks to a Yoni Buyens strike seven minutes into the second half.

Two more dismissals followed, William Vainqueur receiving his marching orders for a second bookable offence on the hour mark, followed by Anderlecht goal-scorer Biglia in the 81st minute, also for two yellow cards.

Buyens’ still effort appeared to be enough to hand his side an invaluable three points, before Guillaume Gillet popped up with five minutes to equalise for the nine-man hosts.

Anderlecht are now six points clear at the top of the Belgium Pro League table, while Liege remain fourth, 13 points behind.

In the day’s other game, Genk overpowered Club Brugge 4-1 to move into fifth place on the table.

A Laurens De Bock own-goal in the opening minutes handed Genk an early lead and it was one they did not relinquish, with a Khaleem Hyland penalty just before the hour doubling the home side’s advantage.

A bad day for De Bock worsened when the defender was sent off for the foul which led to Hyland’s spot kick.

Carlos Bacca gave 10-man Club Brugge hope four minutes from time but late goals from Elianiv Barda and Anthony Limbombe sealed the win for Genk, who move two points clear of Georges Leekens’ side.