Published
2025-08-16
Union too strong for ten-man Standard
After a difficult ending last week, Union was eager to bounce back. The Brussels side took the lead after 23 minutes through Kevin Rodriguez and gained full control when Standard’s Thomas Henry picked up two quick yellow cards. In the second half, Rodriguez netted his third goal of the season before substitute Promise David sealed the 3-0 scoreline.
Union created the first big chance of the game. Niang broke down the left and whipped in a cross, but Standard keeper Epolo came to the rescue. Moments later, Khalaili popped up at the far post on a corner but saw his effort blocked.
Standard nearly equalised when a long ball sent a striker one-on-one with Scherpen, but Niang produced a last-ditch challenge to deny him.
Midway through the first half, Vanhoutte floated a cross into the box, Florucz laid it off, and Rodriguez calmly slotted home into the left corner: 1-0. The Ecuadorian thus made it two goals in as many weeks.
Shortly after, came the turning point. Thomas Henry was shown a second yellow card and left Standard down to ten men. The visitors carved out a couple of chances, but none found the back of the net.
Union came out strong after the restart, but the first big chance fell to Standard: Nkada raced clear on goal, only for Leysen to recover brilliantly after pressure from Mac Allister.
Not long after, Union struck again. Ait El Hadj swung in a cross, Zorgane set it up, and Rodriguez finished clinically for his second of the evening. The VAR checked for offside but the goal stood: 2-0.
In the dying minutes, substitute Promise David wrapped it up. He intercepted a poorly taken Standard free kick and finished coolly: 3-0. Union now has 10 points from 12 to start the season.