In a thrilling encounter on Sunday, April 6, 2025, César "Chino" Huerta showcased his talent once again, scoring a stunning equalizer for Anderlecht against Racing Genk in the Belgian Pro League playoffs. However, despite Huerta's efforts, Anderlecht ultimately fell short, losing 2-1 to the league leaders at Lotto Park.
The match marked the second day of the championship round in the Pro League, where the stakes are high and every point counts. Genk took the lead early in the game when Joris Kayembe found the back of the net in the 32nd minute with a powerful left-footed strike from just outside the box. The visitors celebrated as they went up 1-0, putting Anderlecht under pressure.
Despite the setback, Huerta, who had been a key player for Anderlecht since joining the team in January 2025, refused to back down. His moment came in the 78th minute when he connected with a well-placed corner kick from Theo Leoni. Huerta displayed remarkable positioning and timing, rising above the defenders to head the ball past Genk's goalkeeper, Mike Penders, leveling the score at 1-1. The stadium erupted in cheers as Huerta celebrated his third goal of the season, a goal that seemed to invigorate his teammates.
However, the joy was short-lived for the home side. Just six minutes later, Zakaria El Ouahdi snatched the lead back for Genk, scoring the decisive goal in the 84th minute. El Ouahdi's strike was equally impressive, as he volleyed the ball into the top corner, leaving Anderlecht with little time to respond. With this goal, Genk secured a 2-1 victory, maintaining their position at the top of the league table with 40 points.
Huerta's performance throughout the match was noteworthy. He played the entire 90 minutes, demonstrating his versatility and effectiveness on the field. Not only did he score, but he also completed all 33 of his attempted passes, achieving a remarkable 100% passing accuracy. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates was evident, as he consistently moved across the pitch, contributing to both offensive plays and defensive efforts.
Despite Huerta's contributions, Anderlecht now finds themselves in a challenging position. With this loss, they have suffered two consecutive defeats in the championship round and currently sit in fourth place with 26 points. The team is 14 points behind Genk, making their chances of competing for the title increasingly difficult.
Looking ahead, Anderlecht will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next match against Union Saint-Gilloise. The upcoming game will be crucial as they strive to turn their fortunes around and regain momentum in the league. With Huerta in form, fans will be hoping for a strong performance that can lift the team and keep their European competition hopes alive.
The Belgian Pro League continues to deliver excitement as the championship round unfolds. Genk's victory solidifies their status as the team to beat, while Anderlecht must find a way to bounce back and make a push for a higher position in the standings. As the season progresses, every match will be pivotal in determining the ultimate champion of the league.
