Union is sure of European wintering (but not 2nd place) after new comeback against Braga | UEFA Europa League 2022/2023

After last week’s late victory in Braga (1-2), Union expected a fierce response from the Portuguese. That was not so bad, but the Brussels club helped the visitors into the saddle too easily.

One Oliveira in particular. The Portuguese attacker was allowed to score a hat-trick in the first half.

He was happy to unwrap Union’s presents. First Moris misjudged his bang, then he was allowed to head too easily on a stationary phase. And finally, Oliveira made good use of the space in the back.

In between, Union countered via Boniface (1-1). The Nigerian attacker turned forcefully away from his defenders.

(scroll down for the images and the continuation of the match)

Union faced a 1-3 deficit, but giving up is not in the club’s dictionary. The Belgian vice champion came out of the dressing room sharply.

Vanzeir signed for the connecting goal. After he had forced a corner, he headed it in himself: 2-3.

Then it was again up to striker Boniface. His first header wasn’t powerful enough, his second was. It was 3-3 with half an hour left on the clock.

With a lot of zest, the home team went looking for the 4th of the evening. Supersub Nilsson came in again, but this time he couldn’t score.

With the draw, Union assures itself, just like Club Brugge, of European football after the winter break.

In Europe or in the Conference League? That will be the bet of the group matches against Malmö (27/10) and Union Berlin (03/11).

(scroll down for comments)

  • Attacker Dante Vanzeir: “In the end we can be satisfied, especially after a first half in which we make too many mistakes. We stayed calm, kept fighting and did a nice job after the break. It is fantastic for Union that we are spending the winter in Europe.”
  • Striker Victor Boniface: “I am very happy with my goals. The first half was frustrating for us, after the break we fought for our supporters. We did not want to disappoint them.”
  • Coach Karel Geraerts: “We can congratulate each other, this point gives us energy. I will not forget the first half, but in the second half the team played the way we want to see Union. During the break I first got angry, the individual mistakes have to be removed After that, we offered the team solutions to get the fire and enthusiasm back in. It’s nice that we are over the winter, but we still want to finish as high as possible in the group.”

After 4 of the 6 match days, Union leads in group D with 10 out of 12.

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