Union Saint-Gilloise began the Champions’ play-off phase of the Belgian football league with a 3-1 win over local rivals RSC Anderlecht in the Brussels derby.
On Sunday at the Marien Stadium in Duden Park, Union Saint-Gilloise took an important three points in the race to be crowned champions of Belgian football, beginning the playoffs at home against local rivals, Anderlecht.
Union got off to a flying start by going 2-0 up in the first 15 minutes with goals from Nieuwkoop and a stylish chip by the Belgian Dante Vanzeir.
Despite Union’s strong start, Anderlecht grabbed a goal back with Cullen on 26 minutes and went into the break with the momentum on their side after a few good chances.
However, Anderlecht failed to keep up the pressure in the second half. Karou Mitoma increased Union’s lead in the 54th minute and the home side held on for a 3-1 win.
“Union were better. Like they have been all season. It hurts, but it’s the truth.” Anderlecht manager Vincent Kompany commented after the game.
Keeping the Championship dream alive
Union are enjoying their first season back in the top-tier of Belgian football after an absence of 48 years, having been promoted last season.
Despite this absence, Union is the third most successful club in Belgian football with its glory era having lasted until the 1930s. The last time they won the championship was 87 years ago.
This season, they have inspired and surprised the footballing world by comfortably winning the regular season phase of the league. The Brussels side is now playing for the chance to beat all expectations and win the play-offs be crowned champions of Belgium, as a newly promoted side.
Play-offs kick off
The match came after the municipality of Forest announced on Friday it would ban access to the territory to Anderlecht fans without a ticket to the game, citing reasons of safety and security.
Separated by the South Station railway, Anderlecht and Union Saint-Gilloise are the top two teams in Brussels.
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Both have qualified for the Champions’ playoffs alongside Antwerp and defending champions, Club Brugge.
After one game, Union (42pts) maintained a three-point lead over Club Brugge (39pts), who also played on Sunday against Antwerp winning 1-0, a game marred by trouble.
Antwerp trail behind leaders Union by ten points, and with five games left to play against each other, bar a complete collapse it means Union will most likely finish in the top 2, facing off for the title with defending champions, Brugge.
Next weekend, Union travel to Antwerp, while Club Brugge will be at Anderlecht.
