With another perfect evening, a strong Union in Malmö has already booked its 4th victory in the group stage of the Europa League. With 13 out of 15, the inhabitants of Brussels go to the 1/8th finals as group winners and avoid a play-off match against a number 3 from the Champions League.
Malmö – Union in a nutshell:
- Key moment: After just 11 minutes, captain Teuma puts his team ahead. Union can thus put the pressure on Malmö. The Swedes fail to take over the initiative after that early goal against.
- Man of the match: Teddy Teuma was once again the star. His excellent form this season again translates into a beautiful goal and an equally good assist tonight.
- Remarkable: After 5 games, Union is still unbeaten in the Europa League this season. With 13/15 it is group winner and can prepare for the 1/8th finals. That means certainty on European football until at least mid-March.
Union quickly on roses
Already after five matchdays, Union is sure of a group win in its strong Europa League group. At the start of the match in Malmö, it was 100 percent certain that winning equaled group victory.
Coach Karel Geraerts emphasized the importance of this match beforehand and got that message across to his players.
After ten minutes, Teuma was allowed to lash out from the edge of the sixteen and placed the ball nicely in the goal. Union quickly rose, it could play the rest of the game from control.
Malmö could not hide that the European is actually playing for nothing and was unable to create great opportunities. Some timid attempts by Turay (ex-STVV) and Rieks could not alarm Moris.
Shortly before half time, Vanzeir was sent deep again. He still decided on Malmö goalkeeper Diawara, but a few ball touches later it was still 0-2.
Lazare took possession of the ball in the sixteen after a nice combination with Teuma. He put Union on the way to group victory with a nice kick across the corner.
0-3 closer than the 1-2 in the second half
Lazare and Boniface were allowed to stay in the locker room with Union at halftime. A little extra recuperation can’t hurt in these busy football weeks, Geraerts must have thought.
That choice turned out well. Malmö could hardly be dangerous in the second half, except for some corners and dropouts.
Buya Turay was the most notable figure for the Swedes with two plays in the enemy penalty area. Referee Reinshreiber did not let himself be caught.
Vanzeir, Lapoussin and Nieuwkoop came close to 0-3 for Union. It remained at 0-2 and 3 points for the inhabitants of Brussels. They can thus prepare themselves as seed for the 1/8th finals of the Europa League.
Check out the post-match reactions here
