KRC Genk forward Paul Onuachu says victory against the defending champions, Club Brugge, will serve as a big mental boost for the Smurfs ahead of a busy schedule.

Wouter Vrancken’s side edged out their title rivals 3-1 at the Cegeka Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Onuachu scored Genk’s second goal in the fiercely contested encounter.

The Nigerian international has now scored 14 goals in 16 league appearances for the Limburgers this season.

Genk is 15 points ahead of second-placed Club Brugge on the table.

“I already said this was a crucial game. "This game gives us a mental boost to start the busy period well,” Onuachu told Het Belang van Limburg.

Genk will welcome Zulte Waregem on Saturday, then visit Westerlo on Tuesday, January 17, before they play away to Eupen three days later.