Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) were eliminated from the Champions League after a 0-1 defeat to Slavia Prague on Tuesday evening at Brussels' Astrid Park in the second leg of the third qualifying round.
Having already been beaten 3-1 in the first leg, the Belgian team are out of the top European competition and will now compete in the Europa League, where they have played for the past two seasons.
It was a frustrating night for the home side, who play at local rivals Anderlecht's stadium as their home ground in Marien Stadium is too small for UEFA regulations.
Within the first five minutes, the Czech visitors laid the pressure but were not able to find a goal. Slavia persisted and forced a save from Moris, who had been off form in the first leg, stopping a shot from El Hadji Malick Diouf in the 13th minute.
Just before half-time, the Brussels-based team came close again after striker Promise David hit the crossbar in the 40th minute.
Despite territorial dominance in the second half, USG struggled to create clear chances. The Czechs ultimately dashed Belgian hopes with a goal in the last ten minutes from Vaclav Jurecka (84′).
USG will have to bounce back at home on Friday against Charleroi (20:45), in the fourth day of the Jupiler Pro League, after suffering three consecutive losses in all competitions.
In Europe, the Brussels team has been relegated to the Europa League group stage. In the 2022/23 season, the Brussels side reached the quarter finals of the competition.
