Despite a historic 2-1 win against Liverpool in the final match of Europa League’s Group E, Union Saint-Gilloise have finished third in the group and will continue playing in the UEFA Conference League.
Union SG finished the group with eight points, three points behind Toulouse who triumphed over LASK 2-1. Union are out of the Europa League, but a third-placed finish means they will still compete in Europe's third-tier competition – the Conference League
With the backing from their 17,000 fans at the sold-out Lotto Park, the Brussels side immediately exerted pressure on Liverpool’s young squad, which featured six players aged 20 or below.
Union's Christian Burgess celebrates after winning the game. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Eager to secure victory, Union were rewarded through the tireless efforts of Amoura. Sent clear on goal by Lazare Amani, the Algerian striker dribbled past Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher before rolling the ball into Liverpool’s empty net for 1-0.
The joy was short-lived for Union, as the Reds equalised only eight minutes later with Jarell Quansah’s powerful shot past Anthony Moris.
Undeterred by this sudden tie, Union regained the lead just three minutes later through Cameron Puertas’ spectacular shot in the 43rd minute.
Just after half-time, Puertas appeared to extend Union’s lead, but the goal was ruled out by a VAR decision due to a handball offence by Union's Amani.
Union SG finished the group stages with an impressive win against Liverpool and will continue their European journey in the Conference League. Their opponent for the knockout stage will be known during the UEFA draw on Monday at 14:00, with the round of 16 matches scheduled for 15 and 22 February.
