Union deserve victory over Club Brugge and open up four-point lead at the top

In a raucous Parc Duden, Union faced Club Brugge. The Brussels side knew that a win would be a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the summit to four points. The stakes were clear: tighten their grip on top spot.

After a combative opening, with Khalaili already threatening, Union appeared to take the lead after just eight minutes. A free kick was awarded following a foul by Seys on Khalaili. Ait El Hadj laid the ball off cleverly and after a well-rehearsed move around the box, Zorgane whipped in a cross and Rodriguez headed home. The celebrations were short-lived, however, as the Ecuadorian was ruled offside.

Club Brugge immediately made their way up the other end and threatened from a corner. Tzolis delivered, Mechele glanced a header onto the body of Scherpen, and the ball fell unluckily into the net: 0-1.

On the half-hour mark, Union broke quickly. Khalaili played Biondic in behind the defence, who dribbled past Ordonez and curled the ball into the far corner: 1-1. VAR was consulted here too for a suspected push in the build-up, but the officials saw nothing wrong with the goal.

Union started the second half with an unchanged lineup and refused to be overrun by Club Brugge. The home side created several chances, but Biondic failed to convert and Sykes twice missed the target with headers. Hubert opted to withdraw Ait El Hadj and introduce Zeneli from the bench.

The final ten minutes were underway and Union's pressure showed no signs of letting up. In the 81st minute, the decisive goal finally arrived. Khalaili drove forward, kept his composure and picked out the unmarked Zeneli, who finished first time. The Unionsts were in front at last.

Union saw the game out well, but still conceded one big chance late on. From a Tzolis corner, Stankovic directed a header towards goal, but Scherpen produced an outstanding save to keep his side level. The crowd rose to their feet, sensing this was a pivotal moment. Club Brugge could not find a way through in added time either.

At the final whistle, the joy was unrestrained: Union win 2-1 against Club Brugge. Their lead over Club Brugge now stands at four points.