Union hold on with ten men to beat SK Beveren 1-2

Union stood firm away at SK Beveren despite an early second-half red card. They struggled to create chances in the first half, but Patris nevertheless put them ahead in the 44th minute. After the break, Union were reduced to ten men, but Guilherme quickly added a second goal. Beveren pulled one back, but Union held on to secure the win.

The Brussels side started the game with confidence. Their first threat came after just three minutes. Florucz tried his luck from the right flank, but his effort found the side netting. Beveren responded a few minutes later with a cross from the flank. Koffi misjudged the flight of the ball and failed to claim it, but the danger was quickly cleared.

Beveren enjoy possession, but Union take the lead

Beveren gradually grew into the game and Margaritha fired an effort towards goal from inside the box. His shot took a deflection off Sylla’s leg and went wide. The danger was not over, however, as Boone also got a shot away in the next attacking phase. Koffi kept the score level with a superb save, tipping the ball onto the crossbar. There was still more to come: Margaritha laid the ball off, Olantunji turned and fired straight at Koffi.

Towards the end of the first half, Union regained the upper hand. Guilherme turned and played the ball out to Zeneli. The Swede managed to get the ball through to Patris with a touch of luck. Patris made no mistake, firing the ball into the back of the net to make it 0-1.

Red card and another goal

The second half got off to a difficult start for Union. Aquino had only been on the pitch for five minutes when he accidentally caught Kaboré on the leg with a late challenge. Following a VAR review, the referee showed him a straight red card.

Union refused to be rattled and responded in emphatic fashion. Florucz launched an attack down the right flank before playing Patris through. Patris laid the ball off for Guilherme, who arrived at pace and fired home to double Union’s lead: 0-2.

Beveren fight back

Beveren were not ready to give up and pulled a goal back. Olantunji got past Havenaar inside the box, leaving the defender unable to intervene. This allowed Verschueren to get his shot away and curl the ball into the net. VAR reviewed the incident, but the referee saw no infringement and allowed the goal to stand: 1-2.

The goal gave the home side renewed confidence as they pushed for an equaliser. Beveren took control of possession and committed men forward in search of a leveller. However, their attacking pressure failed to produce any further clear-cut chances. Union kept the centre of the pitch well protected and regularly won the ball back.

Even in the closing stages, the home side were unable to find another way through. Union stood firm with ten men and saw out the victory to secure all three points. The result means they remain comfortably inside the top three of the league table.