Strong Union sweep past Zulte Waregem after lively first half

The game started quietly in Waregem, though the first chance fell to the home side. Nyssen whipped in a cross from the right, but the header went wide.

Moments later, Union responded as Khalaili delivered a dangerous ball towards Rodriguez, only for goalkeeper Gabriel to cut it out smartly.

Zulte Waregem threatened from a free kick soon after, but Sykes cleared the danger. On the counter, Erenbjerg found Gavriel in space, but his effort was too central and easily saved by Scherpen.

In the 38th minute, Union broke the deadlock in bizarre fashion. Referee D’hondt got in the way of a Zulte pass, allowing the visitors to win back possession. Kamiel Van De Perre quickly played it forward to Rodriguez, and the Ecuadorian made no mistake: 0-1.

Minutes later, Union were awarded a penalty to the disbelief of the home players. Rodriguez’s shot struck a defender’s arm inside the box. Giger stepped up but Gabriel guessed the right way and kept it out.

Right before half-time, Giger made amends. Unmarked on the right flank, Zorgane crossed perfectly for the Swiss striker, who made it 0-2 with a tidy finish.

Less than a minute after the restart, Giger struck again. El Hadj feinted a pass towards Niang but slipped it through to Giger instead. His first shot was saved by Gabriel, but he converted the rebound: 0-3.

On 58 minutes, defender Mac Allister brought down Aké inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Erenbjerg smashed it home into the right corner: 1-3.

Late in the game, substitute Promise David put the result beyond doubt. Fellow substitute Schoofs played Zorgane through, who laid it off for David and the Canadian finished calmly to seal the 1-4 win.

With this victory, coach David Hubert’s side remain unbeaten in domestic competition.