Genk produced a dominant 5-1 first-leg win in Poland and will host Lech at the Cegeka Arena aiming to seal Europa League group-stage qualification. Genk have struggled domestically early in 2025/26 but have regained momentum with consecutive wins, including a 2-1 victory over Leuven. Injuries rule out Hendrik Van Crombrugge and Daan Heymans, while Junya Ito could make his full Genk debut. Hyeon-Gyu Oh leads the attack and 21-year-old Matte Smets will start at centre back. Lech must overturn a heavy deficit after their home collapse and recent domestic decline following last season's title.
Eventually storming their way to a sensational 5-1 romp in Poland, Thorsten Fink's side hold what is a dominant advantage when they return to the Cegeka Arena on Thursday night. Despite struggling to find any real domestic stability since opening up the 2025/26 campaign, the Blues have turned a recent corner. Securing a 2-1 win against Leuven, Genk have registered consecutive victories for the first time this season.
As for the visitors, blown away on home soil last week as they slumped to that nightmare 5-1 drumming, Lech are now seeking a major Europa League miracle on Thursday night. Despite making real history last season as they clinched a ninth domestic crown, Niels Frederiksen's side have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion this time around. Only mustering seven points from their first four Ekstraklasa
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