GENK, Belgium (Interstat) — In a stunning offensive display, Club Brugge opened its Belgian First Division A season with a wild 5-3 road victory over Genk on Friday at Cegeka Arena. The result defied pregame projections that heavily favored the hosts.

Club Brugge seized control early with Hugo Vetlesen and Romeo Vermant scoring in the 13th and 22nd minutes. Genk’s Yira Sor answered quickly, but Hans Vanaken and Daan Heymans scored before halftime for a 4-1 Brugge lead. Genk mounted a second-half rally with goals from Junya Itō and Aleksandar Stanković, but Cisse Sandra’s stoppage-time goal sealed the win for the visitors.

The match featured eight yellow cards. Club Brugge begins the league campaign with a win, while Genk starts with a loss.