Batshuayi scores twice for Belgium, pretty much confirms Crystal Palace loan

Michy Batshuayi got his first competitive minutes of football in over five months, as Belgium waltzed over Iceland, 5-1, in a Nations League A friendly on Tuesday in Brussels.

Iceland actually took the lead inside of ten minutes, but in a classic case of scoring too soon, the Red Devils roared back and were ahead just seven minutes later: Batshuayi, in the right place at the right time, putting in a juicy rebound to give Belgium the 2-1 lead.

After the flurry of three goals in seven minutes, we had to wait until the second half for the next goal. And after Mertens gave Belgium a 3-1 lead, Michy made sure of the victory with a sweet backheel flick finish. Saucy.

Batshuayi last played for either club or country in late February, when he got 18 minutes off the bench in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. Clearly, he’s not lacking for confidence, and is probably quite well rested and recovered and raring to go.

And it sounds like that the “going” part will indeed be with Crystal Palace, as the 26-year-old all but confirmed the season-long loan (and associated contract extension) reported earlier today.