Match Preview

The UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – League Phase reaches a crucial conclusion as KRC Genk host Malmö FF at the Cegeka Arena on Matchday 8. Under the new 36-team league format, every fixture feeds into a single overall table, so this game in Belgium still carries important weight for both clubs’ European ambitions.

Genk have enjoyed an impressive campaign so far. After five league-phase matches they sit inside the top ten of the overall standings, having collected 10 points from 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat, with a goal record of 7 scored and 5 conceded. A dramatic 4–3 away victory at Braga and a gritty 2–1 home win over Basel underline how dangerous they can be in open games and how resilient they are in tight ones.

Malmö FF, by contrast, arrive in Belgium fighting near the bottom of the table. They are still searching for their first Europa League win of the season and remain on a very small points total, with their only reward so far coming from a single draw. Recent league-phase outings have been difficult, including a 3–0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest and a narrow 1–0 home loss to Panathinaikos, results that have left the Swedish side in the relegation zone of the 36-team ranking.

This sets up a classic clash between a confident home side with knockout ambitions and a visiting team desperate to salvage pride and ranking. Genk will look to build on their momentum and secure a seeding-boosting result in front of their home supporters, while Malmö know that an upset in Belgium would transform the tone of their European campaign.

TV Broadcast and Livestreams

The Genk vs Malmö FF showdown will be covered by official Europa League broadcast partners worldwide. In many European territories the game will be available via TNT Sports, DAZN or domestic rights holders, while regions outside Europe can usually watch via platforms such as ESPN, beIN Sports, Paramount+ or local broadcasters.

Supporters should always check local listings and official competition information to confirm which TV channel or streaming service is showing the match in their country.

Match Information

Form Guide and League-Phase Records

Genk: The Belgian side’s Europa League run has been built on high-energy attacking football and big results in key games. The comeback 4–3 win at Braga was one of the standout matches of the league phase, while a hard-fought 2–2 draw at home to Basel showed they can still take something on nights when they are not at their very best. Domestic form has also been relatively steady, giving Genk confidence heading into this decisive European fixture.

Malmö FF: Malmö’s league-phase story has been much tougher. A heavy 3–0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest, combined with a narrow 1–0 home loss to Panathinaikos, has left the Swedish champions rooted in the lower reaches of the table. They have struggled to create clear scoring opportunities against stronger opposition and have been punished for defensive lapses, especially away from home.

In the live league-phase rankings, Genk sit in the seeded play-off zone, while Malmö occupy one of the bottom places and risk elimination. That contrast in trajectories adds a clear edge to this Matchday 8 meeting in Belgium.

Head-to-Head History

Genk and Malmö FF have met before in European competition, most notably in the 2018/19 Europa League group stage. On that occasion, Genk won 2–0 at home and drew 2–2 in Sweden, taking four points from the two encounters and finishing above Malmö in the group standings.

Those results give Genk a slight psychological edge going into this latest meeting, though both squads have changed significantly since then. Malmö will be eager to avenge that earlier campaign and prove they can match the Belgian side on their own turf.

Tactical Outlook

How Genk are likely to approach the game

At the Cegeka Arena, Genk are expected to take the initiative from the outset. Their game plan will likely involve:

• Building from the back, using technically strong centre-backs and midfielders to control possession.
• Using full-backs and wingers to create width, stretching Malmö’s defensive line and opening space between the lines.
• Pressing high when Malmö try to play short, aiming to force turnovers in advanced areas and generate quick chances.
• Targeting set-pieces – corners and free-kicks – where their height and delivery can cause problems for the visitors.

Where Malmö FF can threaten

Despite their struggles, Malmö still have qualities that can trouble Genk, particularly if the Belgian side overcommit in attack. The Swedish club may look to:

• Stay compact in a mid-to-low block, limiting space centrally and forcing Genk to circulate the ball in wide areas.
• Counter quickly once possession is won, using pace on the flanks to exploit gaps left behind Genk’s attacking full-backs.
• Focus on set-pieces of their own, where a well-delivered corner or free-kick could provide a route back into the match.
• Slow the tempo wherever possible, disrupting Genk’s rhythm and reducing the number of high-intensity transitions.

If Malmö can frustrate Genk and keep the game tight for long periods, pressure may shift onto the home side, particularly if qualification scenarios hinge on the result. However, if Genk find an early goal and establish control of possession, their confidence and attacking patterns could eventually overwhelm the visitors.

Standings Context – League Phase Table

With Genk in a strong position and Malmö under pressure near the bottom, the stakes are clear: a home win would confirm Genk’s status among the stronger outfits in this season’s Europa League, while any result for Malmö would be a valuable boost after a difficult campaign.

Match Outlook and Prediction

Predicted Final Score: Genk 2–0 Malmö FF

Taking into account the league-phase standings, recent results and home advantage, Genk head into this match as clear favourites. Their blend of attacking quality and resilience in tight games suggests they have enough to break down Malmö’s defence and control most of the contest.

Malmö will fight hard and may create moments on the counter, but their difficulties in both boxes throughout the league phase raise doubts about whether they can sustain a full 90-minute performance against a confident Genk side. If the Belgian team avoid complacency and maintain their usual intensity at home, a solid win looks the most likely outcome.

The projected result is therefore a 2–0 victory for Genk, reflecting their superior form and stronger position in the Europa League league-phase table while still acknowledging Malmö’s capacity to make the game competitive if they execute their game plan well.

Important: This prediction is a football opinion only. It is not betting advice. Any form of gambling is strictly for adults and must always comply with local laws and be approached responsibly.