Neither of Brussels' football clubs Union Saint-Gilloise and Anderlecht were on the losing side of their league matches this weekend, as they prepare for the group stages of their European competitions this week.
With one eye on the start of their European adventures on Thursday, both Union and Anderlecht first had to fend off Zulte Waregem and OH Leuven, respectively, in the Belgian Pro League on Sunday.
Anderlecht ended their three-game losing streak with a 2-2 draw against OH Leuven at Lotto Park. Jan Vertonghen, a stalwart of the Red Devils' defence made his debut appearance for the club after signing for them last week. The 'Mauves et Blancs' are now seventh in the table, with 10 points.
Union who were beaten 4-2 by Antwerp during the week, recovered well by winning their Sunday game 1-3 against Zulte Waregem. They are now up to fifth place in the league table with 13 points.
European football returns this week
Both teams are now looking onto the start of their European campaigns on Thursday, with Union in the Europa League and Anderlecht in the European Conference League.
Union Saint-Gilloise will meet their German namesakes Union Berlin in the German capital for their first group encounter in a European competition in almost 58 years. Union Berlin are fourth in the Bundesliga and have yet to lose a game.
Simultaneously, Anderlecht will compete in a European competition for the first time in four years, hosting Danish side Silkeborg in their home ground.
Furthermore, the on-pitch rivalry between both of the capital's teams has continued on TV, with many Union fans recently taking to Twitter to protest that RTBF opted to broadcast Anderlecht's match and not Union's, despite them participating in a higher ranking tournament and against harder opponents.
