Union go down fighting against Club Brugge

On matchday 8 of the Champions’ Play-offs, Union faced title rivals Club Brugge. The opening phase at Jan Breydel Stadium was fiercely contested, with duels coming thick and fast and a high tempo on the pitch. From a quick transition, Club Brugge struck first. Siquet found Tzolis on the left wing, who unleashed a powerful shot that flew over the bar.

At the other end, Union won a free kick. Zeneli delivered it into the box, but the attempt lacked precision and the ball ended up in the goalkeeper’s hands.

On the half-hour mark, Hans Vanaken put the home side ahead with a long-range strike: 1–0. Seys doubled the lead shortly after.

Union responded. Rodriguez drove forward and attempted a cross but was brought down by Tzolis, earning Union a free kick. Zeneli went for goal directly, but van den Heuvel pushed it away.

Sykes initially prevented a third goal, but just before half-time Vanaken headed in from a corner via the underside of the bar: 3–0.

In the second half, Union took more initiative and committed fully to attack. They won a corner, and Mac Allister had a header, but he connected with his shoulder and sent it over the bar. Shortly after, Rodriguez found space but was blocked.

Biondic then had two chances: first a shot from distance straight at the goalkeeper, and then another effort that hit the crossbar. Club Brugge were under pressure in this phase, with Schoofs and Ait El Hadj also trying their luck.

However, Club Brugge remained dangerous. From a corner, Tzolis regained possession and surged towards goal. Neither Zorgane nor Ait El Hadj could stop him as he made it 4–0.

In added time, Mac Allister briefly looked to have scored a consolation with a spectacular overhead kick, but VAR ruled it out for offside. Forbs then completed the rout, making it 5–0 for Club Brugge.