An Ivanovic brace qualifies Union for Europa League knockout phase

In the first half, the game was unwatchable. The game and the mediocre pitch. Braga scored at its first best chance (0-1) on the counter and then threw it close. Pocognoli swapped Leysen for Rodriguez at half-time and Union pressed, looking for an equaliser.

And it came. Van de Perre found Sadiki, who served Niang, Niang swivelled for goal, Ivanovic showed his torinstinct. 1-1! Afterwards, Moris kept his team in the match with a triple save.

The hunger was momentarily unquenchable. Again there was an action between Niang and Sadiki (lovely backheel). Rodriguez received the ball and put Ivanovic in position. 2-1!

Vítor Carvalho was shown red and Machida also saw a second yellow card. 10 vs 10, and Moris still had to punch out with a final supersave to keep the 2-1 on the board.

Union is in the top 24 anyway. Next week, nearly 700 Unionists head to Glasgow to propel us to an even better place. Allez l'Union !