Published
2026-01-17
David leads Union to a 1-0 victory over KV Mechelen
Union secured a deserved 1-0 win against KV Mechelen at the Duden Park. In the first half, we firmly took control of the game and dominated proceedings. Promise David rewarded that dominance with the only goal of the evening, finishing off a quick transition initiated by Van de Perre. After the break, the match became more balanced and we were forced to drop deeper at times, but thanks to strong collective defensive work, we held on to our lead.
The winter break is behind us and, in our first home match of the year, we welcomed KV Mechelen. From the opening whistle, we took the initiative. We pushed the visitors back into their own half and quickly created a first chance. Promise David surged forward through midfield and struck powerfully, but his effort flew over the bar. Shortly after, Barry tried his luck following a throw-in, but his shot also went wide.
After a quarter of an hour, Mechelen attempted to threaten on the counter, but without creating real danger. When the situation briefly became more threatening, Guilherme applied good pressure to neutralise the attack.
In the 20th minute, a through ball was played to Khalaili, who delivered a dangerous ball across goal. David narrowly missed it, but we won a corner. The ball was flicked on to Mac Allister, who struck powerfully on the rebound, but goalkeeper Miras managed to make a fine save.
During a Mechelen attack, Van de Perre intercepted the ball and our Union players immediately launched a quick transition. He sent Promise David through on goal, leaving the Canadian one-on-one with the goalkeeper. David cleverly made space for himself and finished calmly to put the deserved 1-0 on the scoreboard.
Soon after, we earned a free kick. Ait El Hadj curled the ball into the box and found the head of Mac Allister, but his header lacked power. Just before half-time, David intercepted a Mechelen throw-in. He looked set to double the lead, but with the defence closing in quickly, he had to rush his shot and sent it wide.
After the break, Mechelen were the first to threaten. Servais delivered a good cross, but Barry was able to head clear. In the 66th minute, we were awarded another free kick. Ait El Hadj floated the ball into the box and found Sykes, whose header was turned away by Miras with an excellent save. Moments later, we came close to making it 2-0, but the ball was cleared off the line in a crowded goalmouth.
Mechelen then earned a free kick after a foul by Sykes, but Servais fired over the bar. In added time, things became tense once more. Antonio had a chance after a turnover in possession, but shot over. In the final minute, he set up Hammar, who looked set to score, but his effort went straight into the hands of goalkeeper Scherpen.
We now head to Munich with a victory in our pocket, ahead of our penultimate match in the Champions League league phase.