Belgian First Division wrap: Genk win goal-fest, Gent held

Genk came back from 4-2 down to beat Club Brugge 5-4 in a thrilling Belgian First Division match on Saturday, while Gent were held by Mons.

Visitors Genk led courtesy of Kevin De Bruyne, who notched the first of nine goals in the match just three minutes from kick-off at the Jan Breydelstadion.

Ryan Donk levelled for Club Brugge on 18 minutes, before Khaleem Hyland struck on the stroke of half-time to see Genk hold a 2-1 lead at the break.

Club Brugge raced into a commanding lead and looked to have the result in the bag when goals from Victor Vazquez, Thomas Meunier and Nabil Dirar made it 4-2 with 25 minutes to go.

Jelle Vossen pulled one back for Genk on 70 minutes, and seven minutes later De Bruyne netted his second to level the scores at 4-4.

The attacking midfielder then breached the Club Brugge defence again with six minutes to go, bagging a hat-trick and finishing off the scoring in a remarkable clash.

The win lifts Genk up to sixth place following an inconsistent start to the season for the reigning champions.

Defeat sees Club Brugge slide to fourth, after local rivals Cercle Brugge gained a point in a 1-1 draw away to Zulte-Waregem.

League leaders Anderlecht can go six points clear if they beat Lierse on Sunday, after second-placed Gent were held 1-1 away to promoted side Mons.

The visitors were fortunate to come away with a point, needing a 78th-minute penalty from Bernd Thijs to salvage a draw after trailing to Jeremy Perbet’s opener.

Elsewhere, Kortrijk climbed to fifth after a comprehensive 4-1 win away to Lokeren.

OH Leuven gave up a two-goal lead in their match at home to Beerschot, but snatched a 3-2 victory thanks to Karel Geraerts’ winning goal with four minutes remaining.

Finally, Boubacar Diabang Dialiba scored in the 73rd minute to earn Mechelen a 1-0 win at home to Westerlo.