The sun was out on the Parvis de Saint Gilles on Sunday afternoon.
Union Saint-Gilloise shirts and scarfs blended into the usual revellers of the famous stretch of bars and cafes, many enjoying the much-needed spate of sunshine engulfing the city over the last week.
Yet, there was an added buzz of excitement as the local football team Union Saint Gilloise, who were only promoted from the second division in 2021, were in with a chance of winning the league in only their second season in the top flight.
But football can be an intolerably cruel game. Union looked destined for glory up until the 89th minute. Fans crowded around the big screen outside Le Louvre pub were chanting as the clock wound down towards stoppage time.
Then, a lapse in concentration in the final minute shattered the hearts of Union fans. Club Brugge equalised and shortly after took the lead. A shocked silence fell on the Parvis.
After what can only be described as a rollercoaster of a topsy-turvy three-horse race, the Jupiler Pro League championship title did not go to Brussels' beloved underdogs after all.
Going into the match, the stakes were high, with three possible winners: Royal Antwerp in first place with 46 points had to win to secure the title, with Union Saint-Gilloise level on points (but with a worse goal difference) in second place, and Genk one point behind them in third with 45 points.
If Antwerp lost against Genk, and Union were to beat Club Brugge (whose fate was sealed in the fourth spot), the Brussels side would win the league title. If, however, Union were to lose, and Genk beat Antwerp, then it would be Genk's title.
Who would eventually go home with the title remained undecided for so long during the games that a helicopter carrying the cup was constantly hovering between Genk and Brussels as the matches were played.
In the end, however, it was neither Union nor Genk, but Antwerp who went home with the title.
In the 94th minute, Red Devils veteran Toby Alderweireld took a shot from outside the box that went straight into the top corner – sending the Antwerp players and fans in the stadium into utter jubilation.
Meanwhile in Brussels, Union fans' shocked silence turned into disappointment as the side finished in third place (with 46 points), after having finished the regular season joint-first with Genk.
For a second season in a row, the title was snatched from Union Saint-Gilloise in the play-offs. While the club's achievements over the last few years remain historic, the way in which the title was lost yesterday will hurt the Union faithful for a long time.
Did you watch the game? Let @Maajtee or @URealfonzo know.
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