Published
2025-10-01
Union suffer ruthless defeat against Newcastle United
On Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League League Phase, we welcomed English side Newcastle United to Brussels. Our Unionists started the game full of energy and immediately created some chances, but efficiency and maturity made the difference. Newcastle punished our mistakes without mercy and took all three points back to England.
The match started at a high pace. In the 2nd minute, our Unionists won a free kick after Khalaili was brought down. Moments later, David’s pressing earned us the first corner of the game, but it came to nothing. Newcastle responded quickly: Elanga shot wide after we lost possession. Barely five minutes had been played and the tempo was already intense.
After that fierce start, the visitors struck in the 17th minute: Woltemade put Newcastle ahead, 0-1. Our Unionists fought back immediately, grew into the match and threatened through corners and blocked shots, but the equaliser didn’t come. On the contrary: just before the break, Leysen challenged in the box but missed the ball and hit his opponent instead. Penalty for Newcastle. Gordon converted coolly: 0-2 at half-time.
After the break, Giger came on for David, and again the game started at full throttle. Newcastle had the first chance, but Scherpen kept us in it. Straight after, we created a massive opportunity: Giger played Khalaili through in behind, but his shot went narrowly wide. Zorgane and Niang also tried their luck, but goalkeeper Pope denied them twice.
Hope briefly returned, but Newcastle showed their clinical side. After a chaotic moment in front of Scherpen’s goal, VAR awarded another penalty. Once again Gordon converted: 0-3. Our Unionists kept pushing and Boufal fired from distance, but on the counter at the other end, Barnes sealed the 0-4 scoreline.