Published
2026-05-02
Ten-man Union bow in extremis to a late penalty
Sint-Truiden dominated from kick-off and put Union under pressure early on. After fifteen minutes, Mac Allister was shown a red card and the Brusselers had to defend with ten men for the remainder of the match. They held firm for long periods but eventually conceded the opener in the 86th minute. Rodriguez pulled one back to level, but Ito settled the match from the penalty spot.
In the opening fixture of the second round of the Champions' Play-offs, Union faced Sint-Truiden. This clash had the potential to produce fireworks, both literally and figuratively. Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed above Stayen. Union's objective remained unchanged regardless of the conditions: win.
Sint-Truiden were in control from the off. Union were second best and that led to a chance for the home side after just five minutes. Vanwesemael played the ball into the box and Merlen met it with a header on goal. Scherpen immediately showed his quality with a fine save in the fifth minute.
Red card for Mac Allister after fifteen minutes. The incident stemmed from a loose back-pass by Zorgane. Sebaoui intercepted and drove forward, but Mac Allister brought him down illegally. The referee had no hesitation: straight red. Union were reduced to ten men.
On the half-hour mark, Union had a lucky escape. The ball was whipped in from the left flank and Merlen, arriving at the far post, headed just wide of the goal.
Union showed character and Rodriguez carved out a chance just before the break. He worked his way through the Sint-Truiden defence, but his shot flew over the bar.
Shortly after, Scherpen was called into action again, instinctively pushing a shot onto the crossbar.
After the restart, Sint-Truiden continued to press. Goto made a run in behind the defensive line. In the second half, Scherpen was again forced to claw a ball off the woodwork. The game became increasingly physical and there was little flowing football to be seen.
Rob Schoofs tried his luck with an audacious effort. He attempted to catch goalkeeper Kokubo off his line, as the keeper had strayed far from his goal. He struck from inside his own half, but the shot curled too wide and missed the target.
In the 86th minute, Union finally conceded. Juklerød delivered a cross, Goto let it run and substitute Diouf tapped the ball in at close range beneath the bar: 1-0.
Union responded immediately. Khalaili flicked on a goal kick and Schoofs kept his composure while looking to create space. He played the ball in and Rodriguez headed home: 1-1.
The visitors looked to be heading for a draw, but in the 97th minute substitute Sylla caught Yamamoto in the face and the referee pointed to the spot. Ito stepped up and converted: 2-1.