After a dramatic comeback, Union Saint-Gilloise beat Ajax Amsterdam 1-2 after extra time on Thursday night in the Europa League playoff, but went out 3-2 on aggregate.
Following their extra-time goal, the Dutch side secure their place in the Round of 16.
The team from Brussels had taken an early advantage shortly after the first quarter-hour. A free kick from Sofiane Boufal found Kevin Mac Allister, who headed the ball in from close range, reigniting their hopes of qualification (17′, 0-1).
Fired up after taking the lead, Sébastien Pocognoli’s players believed they had doubled their lead, but Boufal was ruled offside earlier in the play that led to his goal (20′).
The team from Amsterdam made repeated errors, including a crucial one by Davy Klaassen. The Ajax captain handled the ball on the goal line to stop a shot from Noah Sadiki. The referee didn’t hesitate to show a red card, and Promise David converted the penalty, keeping USG’s dreams alive (27′, 0-2).
Entering the second half with determination, Union aimed to finish off Ajax and secure their spot in the Round of 16. However, no player could find the net for a third time to surprise goalkeeper Remko Pasveer.
Against all odds, Ajax took control in the opening seconds of extra time.
After a handball by Christian Burgess, Kenneth Taylor calmly scored the resulting penalty, putting the Dutch side ahead in the race for qualification (93′, 1-2).
In the Round of 16 of the Europa League, Ajax will face either German side Eintracht Frankfurt or French club Olympique Lyonnais.
Mauves also out
The other Brussels side in the competition, RSC Anderlecht, were also eliminated by Turkish giants Fenerbahce after drawing 2-2 and losing 2-5 on aggregate.
"This perhaps leaves a slightly bitter taste, but I am a proud coach after this match," stated Anderlecht manager David Hubert during the post-match press conference. "After the first leg result, it was certainly not easy to show anything today. We told ourselves before the match that if we were to be eliminated, it had to be with our heads held high."
