Sporting Charleroi defeated Genk 2-0 in the first leg of the Belgian Pro League Europa League playoff on Thursday (May 26).

There was a fiery atmosphere on Thursday as Sporting Charleroi played host to Genk in the first leg of their Belgian Pro League Europa League playoff.

And the host's immediately turned up the heat on their visitors when Dieumerci N'Dongola was tripped in the box.

Sotiris Ninis stepped up, but saw his spot kick brilliantly saved by the foot of Marco Bizot.

However, Sporting's disappointment didn't last long.

Amara Baby eventually put Charleroi in front in the 43rd minute, with a smart swivel and shot.

And the home side doubled their advantage early in the second half.

Bizot made two smart saves, however, the second fell kindly at the feet of Jeremy Perbet who converted from close range.

So 2-0 to Sporting was the way it finished - Felice Mazzu's men are nicely placed ahead of Sunday's return fixture.