Union are held to a goalless draw

The first shot on target was for Union. A long ball from the Brussels defence found Rodríguez, who tried his luck with a volley from outside the box. La Louvière’s goalkeeper, however, punched it away.

After an opening spell in favour of the Brussels side, the home team gradually grew into the game. They created a few opportunities, including a free kick, but none of them troubled Scherpen.

After the break, La Louvière came out sharper. A promising attack was cut out by a strong intervention from Niang, and just a few minutes later Scherpen had to step in on a corner.

In the 58th minute, Union threatened again. Khalaili attacked down the left and crossed for Boufal, but the Moroccan couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball—and neither could Rodríguez—so the chance went begging. Ten minutes later, Union thought they had finally broken through when Niang scored, but he was clearly a good five metres offside.

In the closing stages, the champions still had to sweat. La Louvière went looking for the win and created some late danger, but the Brussels defence held firm. Scherpen also secured his second clean sheet. Union did have a few more chances of their own, but wasted them carelessly. So it ended 0-0 at the brand-new Easi Arena.