KRC Genk was eliminated on Wednesday evening in the second qualifying round of the Champions League. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg against Servette FC and a 2-2 final score in the return, the team of coach Wouter Vrancken lost to the Swiss after penalties: 1-4. Genk would have been a possible opponent for PSV in the possible play-off round. At the same time, KÍ Klaksvík wrote history, because it is the first time that a club from the Faroe Islands secured European football. After penalties, the Swedish BK Häcken was defeated.
KRC Genk – Servette FC 2-2 (1-4 after penalties)
After the 1-1 draw in Switzerland and a red card for Enzo Crivelli (Servette) in the third minute of play, it seemed to be a simple evening for Genk. Especially when Mike Tresor scored the opening goal after half an hour of play, the Belgians thought they were sitting on roses, but nothing could be further from the truth. Timothe Cognat scored the 1-1 before the break and after an hour of play Servette fought back again after a deficit: Chris Bedia made the 2-1, which was scored by Tolu Arokodare, harmless in the 51st minute: 2-2. After a goalless extra time, Genk failed conspicuously during the penalty shootout. Servette will face Rangers in the third qualifying round.
tears. tears of joy. What a team. What a Club. What a town. What a story. amazing support. This is unreal.
— KI (@KI_Klaksvik) August 2, 2023
BK Häcken – KÍ Klaksvík 2-2 (3-4 on penalties)
In the Faroe Islands, the teams already, somewhat surprisingly, kept each other in balance (0-0), and Klaksvík completed the fairytale on Wednesday evening. Arni Frederiksberg’s opening goal (0-1) was neutralized halfway through the first half by former Ajax player Tobias Sana, while Häcken even took the lead a few minutes after the break. Frederiksberg leveled the score in the 53rd minute and Klaksvík then took a penalty shootout after goalless extra time. The penalties were taken better: 3-4. Thanks to reaching the third preliminary round, Klaksvík is at least assured of a place in the group stage of the Conference League. Molde FK is the next hurdle for the club that made history on Wednesday evening.
Football history! Klaksvik (where I am on vacation) also eliminates Swedish champion Häcken in the Champions League after Ferencvaros. For the first time we see a club from the Faroe Islands in the group stage of a European main tournament. Minimal Conference League and who knows what more.. pic.twitter.com/hL63n1WTPf
— Quirien Euwe (@qrienn) August 2, 2023
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