© Isosport
Ritchie De Laet celebrated his return to the team with a goal, his second of the season. “I was thinking: when we won the cup in 2020, I also scored in the quarterfinals (against Standard then, ed.). Hopefully this is the start of something beautiful”, the Antwerp resident beamed.
dykes, sea
Antwerp outclassed Genk. “Except for the opening minutes, we kept Genk quiet in the front. We now know the strengths. It was important to stop the crosses towards Onuachu.” Was this the best Antwerp of the season? “We came out well in a number of games. Duels between Antwerp and Genk are always fun and good for Belgian football.”
The Great Old knows how to win again. Whence the change? “After that 27 out of 27 at the start of the season, maybe we started to float a bit, so we didn’t win for a long time before New Years. Then we put our heads together, first and foremost to secure the top four. It now looks very good on both fronts”, De Laet concluded.
Toby Alderweireld: “This was a very complete performance”
This is a confirmation of the last few weeks”, Toby Alderweireld looked back on the convincing cup victory against the league leader. “Such a convincing victory in a difficult away match is really good. This was a complete achievement. We hurt Genk at the right moments and defended well at the difficult moments. We can build on this.”
© BELGIUM
The semi-final is now a fact for Alderweireld and Antwerp. “And we didn’t get it thrown into our laps. To Beveren, at home Standard and in Genk; there are easier draws. We have enforced this ourselves and it is going in the right direction, knowing that we have nothing in our hands yet.”
On the Bosuil, class flashes from Onuachu, Heynen and Tresor Antwerp killed the tie. “We knew perfectly how they were going to play. Compliments to the technical staff. We played a very mature game today, tactically and in the duels. And that with a very young team. It is a nice mix of young talents and experience.”
The authoritarian leader has been beaten, what does this say about the competition? “We must not blow too high from the tower. We are still ten points behind Genk. After all, we know what it’s like not to win a few matches. And on Sunday we have to confirm again on the field of Union, where it is never easy. This already gives confidence.”
© Dick Demey
