Published
2026-01-29
Union put a fine finishing touch on their very first Champions League adventure
Many had written Union off, but we still collected 9 points in our very first Champions League campaign. Against Atalanta BC, a single goal from Khalaili was enough to secure our first home victory. In the end, our negative goal difference proved costly and we are eliminated from the next round.
Without Promise David (suspended) and Kevin Rodriguez (injured), Hubert had to juggle his options. Guilherme, Ait El Hadj and Florucz formed the attacking trio.
That plan worked well in the opening stages. Florucz should have scored but saw his effort cleared off the line, while an impressive Guilherme sent the ball just wide.
Union were in control but dropped a little deeper. Chances were scarce, and the teams went into the break at 0-0.
The second half lacked real spark for a long time, until the 70th minute, when Ait El Hadj dropped a free kick perfectly onto the boot of Khalaili: 1-0!
Khalaili thus finishes as Union’s top scorer in their very first Champions League campaign, and even better: his goal was enough to secure all three points.
Union miss out on the top 24 on goal difference, but can close this European chapter with heads held high!
Hopefully we’ll be back dancing on the Champions League stage again soon, it was a very pleasant first introduction!