Union Saint-Gilloise beat Royal Antwerp 1-0 in the Belgian Cup semi-finals on Wednesday evening, which puts them in good stead for the tie's second leg in March.
Looking to win their first major trophy since 1935, the Brussels side hosted their Flemish rivals for the match's first leg, with the game starting well enough for Union. In the 12th minute, Ivorian midfielder Lazare Amani failed to convert one of Union's best chances.
However, the game's tempo quickly calmed down, with chances few and far between going into the second half. Union continued to push Antwerp's backline, with the latter sticking to a rigorous defensive line in an attempt to leave as little space as possible for the club from the capital.
Related News
- Union Saint-Gilloise through to Croky Cup semi-finals
- Union Saint-Gilloise to detail new stadium project on 16 January
Nonetheless, Union persisted which paid dividends at the dying embers of the game when their Dutch defender Bart Nieuwkoop managed to head home a cross in the 84th minute.
As a result, Union holds a 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg of the match, the winner of which will face either Zulte Waregem or KV Mechelen in the Belgian Cup final at Roi Baudouin Stadium.
