Union beat KV Mechelen 3-0

Our supporters’ group, the Union Bhoys, celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary and made themselves heard right from the start, pushing the team forward. After just 11 minutes, Union took the lead. Khalaili combined with Schoofs in a one-two: he played the ball to Schoofs, who flicked it back to Khalaili with a backheel. Khalaili then crossed towards an unmarked Biondic. The German-Croatian scored after the goalkeeper pushed the ball into his own net: 1-0.

KV Mechelen reacted immediately. Leysen brought down Servais illegally after a goal kick, giving the visitors a free kick. After some confusion in front of goal, the ball fell to Antonio, but he fired high over the bar.

Mechelen threatened again on the counterattack. Guilherme failed to clear the ball properly and Van Brederode took advantage. He got a shot away, but Scherpen produced an excellent save to prevent the equaliser.

Towards the end of the first half, Union created another chance. Guilherme delivered a cross, but Biondic headed just wide.

The first chance of the second half immediately fell to Union. From a corner, the ball was flicked on towards the back post. Khalaili was left unmarked, but fired into the side netting.

Around the hour mark, Mechelen goalkeeper Miras made a mistake. Put under pressure near his own goal, he lost the ball to Biondic. The forward then set up Ait El Hadj, who calmly slotted the ball into the corner: 2-0.

KV Mechelen still refused to give up. Koudou crossed from the flank and Boersma found himself between Sylla and Sykes. He tried to shoot, but failed to connect properly, allowing Scherpen to keep a clean sheet.

In stoppage time, Union added a third goal. Schoofs won back possession and Ait El Hadj dribbled his way through the Mechelen defence. He eventually lifted the ball over the defenders, allowing substitute Fuseini to finish and make it 3-0.

Next up: the Cup final against Anderlecht on Thursday.