Published
2025-07-25
Union and Antwerp share the spoils in season opener
Union kicked off the new season of the Jupiler Pro League with a draw away to Antwerp. The Brussels side were awarded an early penalty, but Promise David failed to convert. Just before half-time, Vincent Janssen gave Antwerp the lead from a free-kick. In the second half, new signing Raul Florucz netted the equaliser, but Union couldn’t snatch all three points.
Union started the game brightly and dominated possession early on. In the fifth minute, Promise David almost capitalised on a mistake by Antwerp goalkeeper Lammens, but couldn’t steer the ball on target. Moments later, Union were awarded a spot-kick after Janssen handled David’s header on the goal line. David stepped up himself, but Lammens made the save to keep Antwerp level.
The hosts grew into the match after the half-hour mark and won a free-kick. The ball went through both David and Leysen and ended up in the bottom right corner: 1–0 Antwerp. Union continued to control the ball but failed to create any real chances before the break.
In the second half, Union stepped up the physical intensity and pushed for an equaliser. Coach Pocognoli brought on new arrival Raul Florucz in place of Kevin Rodríguez. Vanhoutte had an early header on goal, but it went straight at Lammens. In the 68th minute, Florucz made his mark by finishing clinically from a brilliant diagonal ball by Niang: 1–1.
Union kept pressing in the closing stages. Captain Burgess struck the crossbar with a header from a corner, and deep into stoppage time, Khalaili nearly scored the winner from another set piece. But Antwerp held on. The season opener ended in a draw.