Union Saint-Gilloise struck late into injury time to steal the three points against RWD Molenbeek, winning the Derby of the Zwanze 2-3 on Thursday night at the Machtens Stadium in Brussels.
Despite a strong comeback from the home side at the end of the first half, a late goal from Loïc Lapoussin gave Union the win.
It was the first time the two sides met since their return to the top flight of Belgian football. A bitter rivalry, the game made headlines this week after football hooligans clashed on the Parvis de Saint-Gilles ahead of the game on Wednesday night.
On Thursday, it was football's turn. Union dominated the proceedings and opened the scoring early. Following some pressing in the opposition half, Lazare Amani found Gustaf Nilsson, who finished with a lob in the 13th minute to make it 0-1.
The visitors then extended their lead to 0-2 when Mohamed Amoura curled a fine shot into the far corner in the 33rd minute.
RWD Molenbeek's supporters during the match. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Rattled, Molenbeek had looked out of their depth but soon got back into the game.
Pierre Dwomoh managed to find Makhtar Gueye in the box and the Senegalese striker found himself one-on-one with Anthony Moris, perfectly slotting the ball through his legs to get a goal back for Molenbeek (1-2) in the 43rd minute.
Moments later, after a corner, Molenbeek’s attempts were twice repelled, but Dwomoh managed to equalise in the box to make it 2-2, sending the home crown into jubilation in the first half's injury time.
RWD Molenbeek's Pierre Dwomoh celebrates after equalising to make it 2-2. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Molenbeek even had the chance to take the lead before half time, with Gueye hitting the bar with a header in 45th+8 minute..
In a second half where the intensity of the game dropped, both sides had a few chances.
But in the end, it was Lapoussin who would break Molenebeek hearts. Fed by Kevin Rodriguez who found him in the box, he fired a powerful shot under the bar to send the Union Saint-Gilloise faithful into a frenzy.
Union celebrate the injury time winner. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
With the late win, Union go up to 2nd place in the table (16 points), one point ahead of Anderlecht and two behind KAA Gent. RWD Molenbeek are in 9th with 11 points.
Following this Zwanze derby, Union host Charleroi on Sunday (13:30) and RWDM travel to Ghent (19:15).
