At the King Power at Den Dreff Stadium in Leuven, Union Saint-Gilloise once again managed to continue their Europa League adventure in style. In a spectacular match on Thursday evening, they went behind three times and managed to draw 3-3.
The Brussels side are now within touching distance of qualification as they are guaranteed a finish in the top three places in their group.
It was Braga who began the game strongly with their star player, Vítor Manuel Carvalho Oliveira – known as Vintinha.
In the 15th minute, the striker broke through Union’s defence and took a shot that surprised the usually unflappable Anthony Moris, who fumbled the ball after it moved mid-air and allowed the Portuguese visitors to take the lead for 0-1.
Braga's Vitor Vitinha Oliveira celebrates after scoring against Union Saint-Gilloise and the Portuguese club SC Braga, Thursday 13 October 2022 in Heverlee, Belgium. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Union’s response was immediate, and a few minutes later, Bart Nieuwkoop managed to find Victor Boniface around the penalty spot. The Nigerian striker managed to turn and score his second goal in the Europa League for 1-1.
The Brussels side continued to push forward thanks to their wingers Nieuwkoop or Simon Adingra, who made runs and crosses but Union failed to concretise. Moments later, the Portuguese side managed to win a free kick in the 36th minute. From the set play, Vitinha managed to jump highest and head the ball decisively to send the visitors in front again for 1-2.
The 22-year-old striker was not satisfied and scored the third goal a few minutes later when he broke clean through and lobbed Moris for 1-3 41st. After two goals in a few moments, the Brussels side were shell-shocked.
Second half revival
The team talk of Union manager Karel Geraerts at the break must have paid off because Union went back on the field with excellent intentions.
In 49th minute, Dante Vanzeir capitalised at the near post with a header from a corner by captain Teddy Teuma, giving hope to the Saint-Gilles team for 2-3.
Braga missed a few chances and the momentum swung back to Union, when striker Victor Boniface again got on the end of a cross, with the Nigerian heading the ball out of reach of the Braga keeper, making it it 3-3 in the 62nd minute.
All-but ensured qualification
Union managed to hold on for a hard-fought three points, and have now been trailing five times in four games but have always managed to catch up.
Union's Victor Boniface celebrates celebrates after scoring against Portuguese club SC Braga, Thursday 13 October 2022 in Heverlee, Belgium. Credit: Belga / Bruno Fahy
The draw means Union will therefore likely continue their European adventure beyond the group stage, with the top team qualifying for the Last 16 round, and the runners-up of each group will compete in a playoff.
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Union now sit first in the group with 10 points, Braga in second with 7 points, Union Berlin with 6 points and Malmo are bottom with 0 points.
