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.

UEFA Europa League 2026: Zakaria El Ouahdi Delivers Stunning Brace in Dominant Genk Victory

Zakaria El Ouahdi continued his outstanding 2025-26 campaign on Thursday night, scoring twice as KRC Genk secured an impressive 3-1 away victory over GNK Dinamo Zagreb in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 32 clash.

The Moroccan right back produced a complete performance on the European stage, combining defensive discipline with attacking ruthlessness to earn Man of the Match honors in a result that puts Genk firmly in control ahead of the return leg in Belgium.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

Genk entered the contest knowing that an away goal could prove decisive, and they wasted no time asserting themselves. Midfielder Bryan Heynen opened the scoring early, capitalizing on a well-constructed move that exposed Dinamo’s defensive line.

Just six minutes later, El Ouahdi doubled the advantage.

Bursting forward from right back, he showed composure inside the box, finishing clinically to silence the home crowd in Zagreb. It was a goal that highlighted his evolving attacking instincts — timing his run perfectly and applying a calm finish under pressure.

For a player traditionally deployed as a defender, El Ouahdi’s offensive output this season has been remarkable.

Complete Performance on the Right Flank

The 24-year-old, who featured in all six matches as Morocco secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, delivered a mature and balanced display.

Defensively, he won the majority of his duels, limiting Dinamo’s attempts to exploit space down his side. Offensively, he provided width, pace, and unpredictability.

His overlapping runs consistently stretched the Croatian side, forcing them deeper and creating space for Genk’s midfielders to operate.

Dinamo managed to respond just before halftime through Dion Beljo, but the goal did little to shift the momentum. The hosts struggled to generate sustained pressure and failed to register a single shot on target in the second half.

Ice-Cold Finish Seals the Night

As the match entered stoppage time, Genk remained organized and patient. Then came the decisive moment.

Receiving a pass from Daan Heymans in the 90th minute, El Ouahdi once again demonstrated composure beyond his years. A subtle shot fake wrong-footed the defender before he slotted home with precision.

The goal not only restored Genk’s two-goal cushion but also effectively delivered a devastating blow to Dinamo’s hopes of a comeback.

Scoring twice away from home in European competition is rare for a fullback — doing so in a knockout round speaks volumes about El Ouahdi’s growing influence.

Genk Hitting Form at the Perfect Time

The victory reflects a broader resurgence for Genk.

After a difficult opening half to the season, the Belgian side has rediscovered rhythm and confidence. They have now won five of their last six matches and remain unbeaten since their January 17 defeat to Zulte Waregem in the Jupiler Pro League.

Momentum in football can be decisive, especially in European knockout ties. Genk appear to be peaking at exactly the right moment.

The “Smurfs,” as they are affectionately known, will now look to finish the job at home in front of their supporters, where their attacking football has become increasingly fluid and confident.

El Ouahdi’s Breakout European Season

Individually, El Ouahdi is enjoying the most productive campaign of his career.

Across all competitions this season, he has recorded:

• 7 goals

• 3 assists

• 27 appearances

Those numbers would be impressive for a winger — they are exceptional for a right back.

His development reflects modern football’s demand for fullbacks who can contribute at both ends of the pitch. Quick in transition, intelligent in positioning, and increasingly clinical in front of goal, El Ouahdi has evolved into one of Genk’s most reliable performers.

Growing Reputation on the Continental Stage

El Ouahdi’s rise has not gone unnoticed. Strong Europa League performances often serve as a springboard to wider recognition across Europe.

At 24, he combines Olympic experience, domestic consistency, and European maturity. If he maintains this trajectory, transfer speculation may not be far away.

For now, however, his focus remains firmly on helping Genk advance deeper into the competition.

Advantage Genk Ahead of Second Leg

A 3-1 away win in European knockout football represents a commanding advantage. With two away goals and a two-goal cushion, Genk are now favorites to progress.

Dinamo Zagreb will need a near-perfect performance in Belgium to overturn the deficit — something they struggled to demonstrate over 90 minutes in the first leg.

If El Ouahdi continues in this vein of form, Genk’s ambitions in the UEFA Europa League could extend well beyond the Round of 32.

One thing is certain: Zakaria El Ouahdi is no longer just a dependable fullback — he is becoming a genuine difference-maker on the European stage.