Union drop points in evenly balanced clash against Cercle Brugge

After just 30 seconds, Union were close to conceding. Ngoura beat Scherpen from a tight angle, but the striker was flagged offside. Cercle Brugge threatened again shortly afterwards. From a corner kick, Gerkens fired a rebound towards goal, but Scherpen had everything under control.

Union looked to hit on the counter. Khalaili played a long ball in behind for David. The Canadian struck the ball on the stretch, but his effort sailed over the bar. The first shot on target, just like last week, resulted in a goal. Rasmussen found space in the middle of the park and unleashed a long-range effort. The Norwegian curled a left-footed shot perfectly into the far corner: 0-1.

Less than a minute later, Union nearly doubled their lead. Ait El Hadj slipped David through on goal, and the striker went one-on-one with Warleson, trying to place the ball low into the corner, but the Cercle goalkeeper made a crucial save.

Cercle increased the pressure and began to look more dangerous. After a turnover by Van de Perre, Ngoura got a chance to shoot, but Scherpen saved well. Minutes later, Gerkens struck towards goal, Scherpen parried, and Ngoura put the rebound wide.

Rasmussen then found Ait El Hadj, who took a touch before shooting straight at the Cercle keeper. Moments later, Guilherme delivered a fine cross for Khalaili. Khalaili attacked the ball at the near post but failed to direct his header on target.

Late in the first half, Cercle were awarded a penalty after an unfortunate handball by Leysen. The defender attempted to control the ball but handled it. Magnée converted emphatically from the spot: 1-1.

Cercle Brugge came out of the dressing room with greater intensity, leaving Union little space. The first real chance of the second half fell to Van der Bruggen, who got in behind Sykes and headed onto the roof of the net. Shortly after, Diaby received his second yellow card, leaving the hosts down to ten men. Union tried to take advantage of the numerical superiority. Sykes headed a Khalaili cross towards goal, but Warleson gathered comfortably.

Khalaili continued to threaten down the left, and David tried his luck first time once more, but fired over. Minutes later, the same David broke free and raced through on goal. The Canadian aimed for the far corner, but the goalkeeper produced another save. Soon after, Burgess also picked up a second yellow card, restoring parity at ten men apiece.

In stoppage time, Khalaili took a quick throw-in. David turned away from his marker but shot wide. At the other end, De Wilde unleashed a shot on goal. Scherpen reacted late but managed to keep it out. In the final seconds, David headed towards the far corner, but Warleson tipped the ball away.

We finish 2025 with a draw. Nevertheless, it was the year in which we claimed our first league title in 90 years. January promises to be a busy month, with fixtures in the Belgian Cup, the Champions League and the domestic league.