Brussels football team Union Saint-Gilloise (USG) saved its title hopes on Saturday by snatching a 1-1 draw against Royal Antwerp, who were ten minutes away from being crowned Jupiler Pro League champions.
Had the Flemish side won at home against Union, they would have lifted the league title on the penultimate day of the playoffs. And their chances were looking strong after scoring against Union in the 14th minute. They managed to hold onto their lead for most of the match and looked set to be crowned league champions for the first time since 1957.
But, Cameron Puertas equalised for USG in the 80th minute – the day's final goal seeing the match conclude 1-1. Antwerp’s fans left their home stadium ruing their missed chances while USG supporters went home ecstatic at the opportunity of once again fighting for the title.
C'EST TOUJOURS PAS FINI ! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yVP7zd7jxT
— Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (@UnionStGilloise) May 28, 2023
Meanwhile, the other playoff match saw Genk beat Club Brugge 3-1, meaning that they are also still in the mix to win the Jupiler Pro League.
These results leave Royal Antwerp in first place on 46 points with USG on the same number in second place, with Genk a point behind them on 45 points. Club Brugge meanwhile cut a lonely figure in fourth place on 33 points.
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The title will now be decided by a three-horse sprint to the finish next Sunday, with Antwerp still remaining the favourites. If they beat Genk then they will be crowned league champions even if USG beat Club Brugge.
However, if USG win their match and Royal Antwerp fails to beat Genk, then the league title will be coming to Brussels. Another caveat though, is if Genk beat Royal Antwerp and Union lose to Club Brugge then it will be the club from Limburg who will be crowned Jupiler Pro League champions.
