Union Saint-Gilloise took a step towards the group stage of the Europa League on Thursday night with a 2-0 win against Swiss side Lugano. The game was played at RSC Anderlecht's Lotto Park as Union's stadium is too small for UEFA standards.
Playing on what can be called a considerably substandard pitch, the Swiss side started well, but it was Union who created the first big chances. Both Puertas and Lapoussin came close to putting Union 1-0 up.
It was the third time lucky for Union. German striker Dennis Eckert appeared in the area to beat an opposing defensive mess and opened the scoring after 9 minutes.
For the rest of the first half, Union remained the team with the most chances. At the other end, a mistake by Union's Burgess nearly handed Lugano the equaliser.
Shortly after, the Brussels side defence let itself be caught out from a corner again, with Lugano's Celar heading it through to the far post to find teammate Hajdari – who put the ball in the net with the help of his arm. The goal was then ruled out by VAR.
Unchanged, Union started better in the second half, but struggled to find a second goal. Union's Terho and Puertas both came close.
Union's supporters. Credit: Belga / David Pintens
In the 71st minute, substitute Nilsson, after strong shielding work, found Lazare, who in turn served Terho. The Finn pushed the ball perfectly past Saipi with his left foot.
At the other end, Moris stepped up eight minutes before time to defend Union's two-goal advantage by stopping Macek from close range, with the game ending 2-0 for the Brussels side.
Union travel to Switzerland next Thursday, 31 August, with a 2-0 advantage and a good chance of reaching the Europa League group stages.
It was a succesful night for Belgian clubs in Europe. In the other Europa League game, Gent beat Cyprus' Apoel Nicosia 2-0. In the Conference League, Genk beat Adana Demirspor 2-0, and Club Brugge won 1-2 in Osasuna.
