Published
2026-03-02
Union left frustrated against ten-man Westerlo
Our Unionists were held to a bitter 0-0 draw away at Westerlo, despite playing with a numerical advantage for most of the match. Two disallowed goals, missed chances and a rock-solid home defence proved costly for Union.
Following Sint-Truiden’s defeat, Union had the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points this weekend. We travelled to Westerlo without the injured David, Florucz and Rodriguez. Coach Hubert opted for Giger and Fuseini up front.
Union struggled to find their rhythm early on. Goalkeeper Chambaere had to rush well off his line and go all-in to deny a Westerlo attack. He reacted quickest and managed to neutralise the danger.
The visitors threatened on the counter. Zorgane slipped a clever ball in behind the defence, allowing Khalaili to get a shot away, but the angle was too tight. Shortly after, Fuseini broke through and found the net, only to be flagged offside, by a matter of inches.
Minutes later, Fuseini was played through again by Mac Allister with a central pass, but once more the angle was too narrow to truly trouble the keeper.
Westerlo responded. Piedfort beat two defenders and squared the ball to Sayyadmanesh, who found himself one-on-one with the keeper. Chambaere stood tall and produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.
The turning point came soon after. Following a duel between Giger and Nsiala, the latter went down after a slight push. Giger pulled the ball from his hands and was met with an elbow to the face, straight red card for Nsiala.
With the extra man, Union increased the pressure. Mac Allister once again timed his run in behind the defence and finished clinically, but for the second time the offside flag denied him.
After the break, Union initially failed to turn their man advantage into clear-cut chances. Khalaili delivered a cross, Patris flicked it on with a header, but Mac Allister couldn’t adjust his feet and fired over.
Van de Perre tried his luck from distance, but missed the target. Union kept pushing. Zeneli picked out Khalaili, who whipped in another cross, yet Giger failed to connect properly.
Whatever they tried, the breakthrough never came. Ten-man Westerlo defended resolutely and showed great organisation at the back.
In the closing stages, it was surprisingly the hosts who looked more dangerous, but Chambaere held firm. A frustrating goalless draw for our Unionists.