Published
2024-05-28
Union finishes season in second place
It was not meant to be. We end the Play-offs with one point less than Club Bruges, which is exactly one point too little to become Belgian champions. The Belgian Cup gave our season the shine it deserved. Thanks to our fans for their support, and to everyone in front of and behind the scenes at our beloved Union.
The best moment of the match: our fans' banners for Alexander and Charlotte Blessin just after half-time. Proof that many things transcend football after all, and Unionists understood that.
The sport highlights of 26/05 and Union - Genk: Charles Vanhoutte's first goal and his dance with the fans immediately afterwards. And our final goal, number 103, of our season, from the spot, through Gustaf Nilsson.
By the way, Charles Vanhoutte scored after a strong ball recovery and celebrated with the fans and his teammates. It was his first goal in yellow and blue. A goal that also put his former team Cercle Brugge the chance to play European football.
All eyes were on Bruges from then on, especially when Gustaf Nilsson made it 2-0 in Forest.
Ten minutes before the final whistle, Jan Breydel held its breath, while a swelling cheer arose in the Duden Park.
Cercle had scored. But a lengthy VAR intervention, with referee Lardot in front of the screen, ensured the goal was still cancelled. A toe offside, from a Cercle player Lopes, who may or may not have initially taken part in the game, but scored afterwards. A phase that is certainly open to interpretation. And with certainty: not an easy decision to make for a referee holding the title in his hands at the time.
Another certainty: it really shouldn't be down to that. But a momentary dip of four games and zero points out of twelve in the Play-offs ultimately proved to be fatal for us.
On to next season and a new European adventure that will start in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League! Allez l'Union !
It may have been a consolation prize, one day after our second-place finish, but it was more than deserved.
Alexander Blessin was voted Coach of the Year by players and coaches at the Pro League Awards, and Cameron Puertas was voted Player of the Year.
Congratulations, coach and Cam!