Genk up and running with Videoton scalp

Goals from Jelle Vossen, Thomas Buffel and Benjamin De Ceulaer earned a 3-0 reward for KRC Genk after a dominant performance against UEFA Europa League Group G rivals Videoton FC.

Videoton faced a Belgian side for the first time when they overcame KAA Gent in the third qualifying round, but their inexperience at this level was ruthlessly exploited by Genk, who took the lead courtesy of Vossen's 22nd-minute header. The hosts then made sure of lifting themselves to the section summit courtesy of second-half goals from Buffel and De Ceulaer.

Competing in a UEFA club competition group stage for the first time, Videoton retreated into their shell as they struggled to upset the home side's fluidity. Flying winger Steven Joseph-Monrose sought to take advantage, showing sleight of feet to glide past Álvaro Brachi before fizzing a low drive centimetres beyond the far post.

Genk were soon rewarded with the goal their possession merited, Buffel's exquisite centre picking out Vossen, who planted a well-directed header into the far corner. As a retort, Nikola Mitrović attempted to lift the gloom at the other end, firing consecutive long-range strikes into the midriff of Kristof Van Hout.

Paulo Sousa's side emerged revitalised after the break, but their lack of cutting edge proved costly up against Genk's more refined approach. De Ceulaer's inventive volley forced Mladen Božović into a smart save, before Vossen stabbed wide from Joseph-Monrose's centre. The visitors hit back with attacking intent of their own, yet their fate was sealed when Buffel steered in Vossen's looping cross, before De Ceulaer made it three with a stunning run and finish in added time.