UEFA Europa League: El Ouahdi scores twice in MOTM performance for Genk

Zakaria El Ouahdi continued his fantastic 2025-26 season on Thursday with two goals as Belgian club KRC Genk won 3-1 at Dinamo Zagreb in the first leg of their Round of 32 clash from the UEFA Europa League.

The right back showed all of his excellent attacking qualities with a composed finish to double the lead for the visitors six minutes after Bryan Heynen opened the scoring.

The 24-year-old, who played in all six matches as Morocco claimed the bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, was an efficient force on the right flank. El Ouahdi won most of his defensive duels and was able to create his fair share of danger in the opposition half.

Dion Beljo hit back for Dinamo close to halftime but the hosts failed to gain any momentum. They could not manage to put a shot on goal in the second half, allowing the visitors from Belgium to strike one more devastating blow at the end.

pic.twitter.com/ci0k7CTosi

— ❯❯ On screen ❯ ❯ Follow main Cole Palmer #1# (@COFG2222) February 19, 2026

Receiving a pass from Daan Heymans in the 90th minute, El Ouahdi finished for his second goal in similar circumstances with a slick shot fake before producing another composed finish.

It is a big result for the Smurfs, who are clicking on all cylinders. After a difficult first half of the season, they have won five of their last six matches and are undefeated since losing their opening match of 2026 to Zulte Waregem on January 17 in the Jupiler Pro League.

Excellent result in Zagreb. Let’s finish the job next week with our amazing fans 🤩💙 @EuropaLeague #mijnploeg #krcgenk pic.twitter.com/wOzGWabAPL

— KRC Genk (@KRCGenkofficial) February 19, 2026

El Ouahdi continues to be one of the club’s most consistently excellent performers. He has 7 goals and 3 assists from 27 matches in all competitions this season.