Champions LeagueUnion Saint-Gilloise continues to amaze. The team from Brussels have won their first leg in the third qualifying round of the Champions League against Rangers 2-0. A real stunt.
The first European match in 58 years for Union. Then it is not illogical that they still had a bit of cold feet. In the opening quarter, the team from Brussels allowed themselves to be pushed away by Rangers, who lost the Europa League finalist last season. Moris saved on a free kick from Barisic and Sands tried from a distance.
But Union restored the balance. In fact, they suddenly became the better team. Vanzeir, hindered by teammate Lazare, missed a huge opportunity. A few minutes later it did. Captain Teuma blasted the 1-0 against the nets on the half hour. Union checked and went into the break with a deserved lead.
Same game after the break. Union held the reins tightly and went looking for the 2-0. Nieuwkoop’s shot went just wide. Adingra and Vanzeir encountered goalkeeper McLaughlin. Fifteen minutes before the whistle, the arbitration lent a hand. Goldson got the ball unlucky against the arm after a shot by Teuma. But the VAR saw hands in it. He called ref Peljto to the screen and he then pointed to the dot. Vanzeir put himself behind the ball and scored flawlessly.
A few moments later, the striker, eye to eye with McLaughlin, missed the chance for the third Brussels goal – it could have completely exhausted Rangers. So it remained at 2-0 – a result they had always signed up for beforehand. Though there was more to it. The second leg will take place next Tuesday, with 50,000 Scots in Ibrox.
VIDEO. Union fans celebrate at Den Dreef:
Our football chief sees Union stunt once again: “Does anyone dare to state with certainty that a new fairy tale is impossible?” (+)
Potential opponents AS Monaco and PSV draw
Philippe Clement still has work to do to advance to the last preliminary rounds of the group stage of the Champions League. His AS Monaco team drew 1-1 at home against the Dutch PSV Eindhoven. The Monegasques initially took the most initiative, but barely managed to get PSV out of context. Just past the half hour, the home team screamed for a penalty, but referee Massi didn’t flinch. And a handful of minutes later, Clement could swear completely when Veerman made it 0-1 after a great attack. After the break, Monaco moved forward, looking for the equalizer. Long fruitless, but with success ten minutes before time: a free kick stuck, central defender Didasi kicked in. The return game will be played in Eindhoven next Tuesday. As a reminder: if Union manages to fight past Rangers to the next round, the Belgian vice champion will take on the winner of the match between PSV and AS Monaco.
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