This tie is one of only two in the final Europa League qualification round where the suspense has largely vanished before the second leg. Genk secured a decisive 5-1 victory over Lech in the first encounter held in Poznań.

Genk’s Dominance and Lech’s Struggles

Consequently, Genk could even afford a defeat, but will they allow themselves to falter? Given their dominant performance in the first leg, contrasted with Lech’s almost complete lack of resistance, such an outcome seems highly improbable. The Belgian squad dictated play at will, dismantling the hosts across the pitch. By halftime, they had already established a commanding 4-1 lead, not even counting Oh Hyeon-gyu’s missed penalty and subsequent rebound attempt, which was thwarted by a double save from the goalkeeper. The Korean forward eventually found the net just two minutes later.

Team Preparation and Lech’s Past Failures

Similar to Genk’s Belgian league match against Charleroi, Lech’s fixture against Raków that Saturday was postponed. This means both teams have had a full week of rest. However, it’s puzzling what the Polish club’s coaching staff is hoping for, as they appear to be repeating the scenario from their Champions League third-round qualification exit. That campaign saw them suffer a damaging 1-3 home defeat to Crvena Zvezda, followed by a mere 1-1 draw in the return leg, with that equalizer only coming in the 91st minute.

Final Verdict and Predicted Outcome

Despite the tie being 99% decided, Genk is unlikely to concede even a symbolic point, especially given the utterly disorganized defending displayed by Lech. The home side is expected to secure at least a narrow victory, if not another significant win.