Union pull off 1-2 upset against Celta Vigo

Union stunned Celta Vigo at the Estadio de Balaídos. After falling behind, the Brussels side drew level through Zeneli just before half-time. The same player then put Union ahead in the 49th minute following a neat one-two with Rodriguez. The visitors were made to sweat in the closing stages, but their defence held firm.

Union faced Celta Vigo in the Europa League. After three matches, the Unionistas remain unbeaten and find themselves in the top eight. To maintain their position, however, they needed to pull off a major upset against the Spanish side.

Possession Without the Reward

The Brussels side made their intentions clear from the outset, taking control of possession. Their dominance almost paid off in the fifth minute when Rodriguez had the first opportunity of the game, but goalkeeper Radu got down well to block his effort.

Despite Union's bright start, the home side took the lead. On their first attack, Carreira initiated the move before slipping the ball through to Duran. The striker cut inside Sylla in the penalty area and curled a fine finish into the bottom-right corner: 1-0.

The momentum shifted, and Celta began pressing high up the pitch. A flurry of attacking combinations followed. Their most dangerous opportunity fell to Swedberg, who laid the ball off for Carreira, but the Spaniard failed to trouble Koffi.

Turning the Game Around

Just after the half-hour mark, Patris floated a cross into the box. Zorgane tried to bring it under control but could not quite reach the ball. A few minutes later, however, Union finally got their reward.

This time, Zorgane provided the delivery, sending a long ball into the penalty area. Zeneli made a clever run behind Alonso, brought the ball under control and managed to squeeze his shot through Radu's legs after a somewhat scrappy finish: 1-1.

In the 49th minute, the Unionistas remarkably took the lead. Zeneli and Rodriguez exchanged a neat one-two before Zeneli fired towards goal. His effort took a deflection off a defender and found the back of the net: 1-2.

Hanging On Until the Final Whistle

Celta showed their quality, forcing Union onto the back foot. Koffi proved invaluable, making two excellent saves to preserve the lead. Duran curled an effort into the side netting, before the home side squandered two further opportunities to equalise.

Union were then handed a golden opportunity to put the game beyond doubt and silence the stadium. During an attacking move, Mofokeng attempted a header, but a Spanish player's arm diverted the ball. The VAR intervened and sent the referee to the pitchside monitor. The decision: penalty.

Zeneli stepped up, but his spot-kick lacked power and was easily saved.

The closing stages remained tense as Celta laid siege to the Union goal. Sykes cleared a header off the line, while Koffi produced further crucial saves to keep the visitors in front.

Union held on to secure all three points. The Brussels side now sit fourth in the Europa League standings.