Published
2025-02-22
Ultimate unawarded penalty ends Union’s qualification hopes in Amsterdam
A Union dressed for a European gala was dominant against Ajax in their own ArenA from the 10th minute of the return leg. But advancing to the next round against a ten-man home side in the Europa League was unfortunately not to be. Goalkeeper Pasveer broke Rodríguez’s nose in the final moments of extra time, but VAR denied Union a penalty chance to force a shootout.
It was a European night that had both teams and their supporters swinging from left to right. Union took the lead after 16 minutes with a free kick from Boufal and a brilliant header from Mac Allister.
A few minutes later, Klaassen stopped the ball with his hand on the goal line, receiving a deserved red card, and David made it 0-2 from the spot.
The penalty spot would take center stage again an hour later—but at the other end of the pitch. In the second half, Union faced a well-organized Ajax and the score remained 0-2. In the first half of extra time: an Ajax penalty made it 1-2.
Union now had to score but missed several chances. In the 125th minute, Moris sent the ball into the box. Rodríguez threw himself at it, heading towards goal, but goalkeeper Pasveer rushed out and punched our striker’s nose. The referee did not award a penalty, and VAR remained conspicuously absent, despite the images being crystal clear to everyone.
Union wins in Amsterdam but is eliminated. We leave Europe with our heads held high. Now, we give everything in the league, starting with Sunday’s derby. Allez l’Union!