Published
2026-05-24
A Brussels derby victory as the perfect way to end the season
In the final match of the season, our Unionists secured a 5–1 victory over Anderlecht. We were already four goals ahead at half-time thanks to strikes from Biondic, Rodriguez and Ait El Hadj. Sykes added a fifth after the break, while Kanaté scored a consolation goal for Anderlecht.
In a scorching but atmospheric Joseph Marienstadion, our players wanted to entertain the crowd one last time this season. This match was also the farewell game of club legend Guillaume François, who was honoured before kick-off.
We started the game dominantly and immediately won a corner. Sykes just couldn’t get his effort on target, but there was a follow-up chance. The ball looked dangerous again, but Mac Allister fired over the bar.
Anderlecht had their first chance in the 10th minute. A cross was cleared by Mac Allister with his leg. The ball fell to De Cat, who struck it on the volley towards goal. Scherpen made the save.
In the 18th minute, the attacking efforts of our Unionists were rewarded. Zeneli delivered a cross from distance, Biondic timed his run perfectly from the far post and headed it into the left corner: 1-0.
Less than two minutes later, the score was doubled. After a brilliant team move, Anderlecht’s defence was played through in the box. Rodriguez finished it off in style: 2-0.
The hunger was still not satisfied. Rodriguez was played in and allowed to roam freely. No one from Anderlecht really tried to stop the Ecuadorian, which allowed him to find Ait El Hadj, who calmly placed the ball into the corner: 3-0.
Right before half-time, Khalaili scored the fourth of the first half. Completely unmarked on the right flank, he drove towards goal and beat goalkeeper Heekeren, placing the ball into the tight corner: 4-0.
The second half had barely started when Anderlecht were reduced to ten men. Thorgan Hazard went in too hard on Guilherme Smith. Visser was firm and showed Hazard a straight red card.
Union continued to dominate in search of more goals. Chances kept coming, but neither Rodriguez nor Zeneli could convert.
Anderlecht then had a chance of their own. Bertaccini intercepted a poor pass and was clean through on goal. He hesitated too long, allowing our defence to recover. Burgess won the ball back with a tackle, and in transition Biondic had a chance. It resulted in a corner for our Unionists.
Zeneli delivered the corner beyond the far post and Sykes headed it in. Hey tried to clear the ball off the line, but in vain: 5-0.
Anderlecht did manage a consolation goal. Kanaté broke through and scored: 5-1.
We can look back with pride on a strong season, featuring a great Champions League campaign and victory in the Belgian Cup.