Union edge past Club Brugge in top-of-the-table clash

The tension was high at the Joseph Marien Stadium. Both sides were determined to claim all three points. The first opportunity fell to Club Brugge after five minutes. On the counter, Tzolis found space and played the ball to Diakhon, who cut inside from the flank. The Frenchman fired at goal, but Sykes headed the ball behind for a corner.

Space was at a premium as both teams cautiously searched for an opening. Union threatened twice from corner kicks. On the first occasion, Vanaken cleared a dangerous situation, while moments later Khalaili laid the ball off for Zorgane, who failed to make proper contact.

Union’s first real chance proved decisive. On the half-hour mark, the Brussels side were once again dangerous from a set piece. Ait El Hadj stood over the ball and delivered into the heart of the box. Sykes flicked the ball on with his head into the path of David. The Canadian laid it back to Zorgane, who thundered the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

Union remained the more threatening side towards the end of the first half. Guilherme surged down the left flank, dribbled past Sabbe and fired straight at Mignolet. From the resulting corner, Burgess headed the ball into the hands of the Club Brugge goalkeeper.

The second half started with another chance for Union. Mac Allister drove through the middle and found David making a forward run. The striker rushed his effort and sent the ball over the bar. Shortly afterwards, he was brought down just outside the penalty area, earning Union a free kick. Schoofs and Ait El Hadj stood over the ball, and Schoofs struck goalwards. Mignolet reacted well, despite struggling to see the shot.

At the other end, Club Brugge won a free kick after Zorgane mistimed his challenge on Diakhon. Seys aimed for goal, but Scherpen punched the ball clear. Moments later, Forbs produced a dangerous run. Tresoldi was completely unmarked in the centre and had a clear sight of goal, but his effort flew over.

Union then managed to relieve the pressure from Club Brugge. David failed to deliver an accurate cross for Ait El Hadj, who had to check his run and could not get a proper shot away. In the 81st minute, Zeneli had the chance to seal the victory. Promise David played him through with a clever backheel, leaving the substitute one-on-one with Mignolet, but he fired straight at the goalkeeper.

Club Brugge were given one final chance to snatch a point late on. From a free kick just outside the box, Tresoldi headed towards goal, but Scherpen produced a fine save. Vanaken then blazed the rebound over the bar.

Union are therefore the big winners of the football weekend. The Brussels side defeated title rivals Club Brugge and further strengthened their position at the top of the table, helped by Sint-Truiden’s dropped points.