Union without good football past Seraing: blunder goalkeeper Galjé and penalty goal are enough for an economical victory | Jupiler Pro League

Seraing didn’t hold an open day this time around, like last season, against Union, which then scored four home and away goals. But the 1-2 is also enough for the Brussels vice champion to stay comfortably in the top four, on the same level as Club Brugge.

Union coach Karel Geraerts had warned his players to take Seraing seriously after the adult European success at Malmö. Still, the intensity and level were slightly lower than we have been used to from Union in recent weeks.

In the first half Seraing certainly had good opportunities to take the lead. Union had to save a few times in extremis, and saw a goal disallowed for offside. The home team did have injury bad luck. Lahssaini had to leave the field groggy after a header duel and top scorer Marius was also unable to continue after a hooking error by Burgess. But Union was unable to convert its preponderance in quality into great opportunities. Teumana came closest to the opening goal with a slanting free kick. The captain aimed at the post and Kandouss just couldn’t work the rebound into goal.

Geraerts may have asked for a little more dash from his troops for the second half. With Adingra as a substitute for François, the coach also brought more speed and creativity to the flank. Union did receive the early goal after the break in a gift box. Seraing goalkeeper Galjé lingered too long at a back pass and the quick Vanzeir was able to intercept the ball and simply place it in an empty goal.

Who is still talking about the ‘statistics’ of Vanzeir at the beginning of this season left something to be desired. His productivity in October is immense: six goals and an assist in the league and a goal in Europe. Vanzeir advances further in the top scorer position.

After the lead, Union remained in charge, but had to be wary of some of Seraing’s outbreaks. Moris went flat on a shot from substitute Bernier.

Past halfway through the second half, the VAR Union lent a hand. Lazare saw himself tapped by Sylla in this sixteen meter: the referee first judged that it was a schwalbe and gave Lazare yellow, but according to the VAR the contact justified a penalty kick. Teuma converted it cold-bloodedly.

Seraing didn’t give up yet. Elisor had no trouble heading into a nice pass from Bernier shortly after the 0-2. So Union had to stay on top of things. But the Brussels club is rarely caught in panic football. Vanzeir once again evaded the goalkeeper but had swerved just too much to score. But Union also took the victory in this way and the team can prepare for the prestige clash against Union Berlin on the last day of the Europa League group stage.

Union coach Karel Geraerts had understood, given the infernal succession of matches, that the level of Union at Seraing was slightly less high: “We have been playing solid matches in Belgium and in Europe for weeks at a high pace, then a match like against Seraing can be played. intervening. We want to play better football, but it wasn’t dramatic either. The organization was always good. We stayed in the back with a strong Burgess and Moris. After the European euphoria, we knew that the move to Seraing would not be obvious, then as a coach I am happy that we win.”

Dante Vanzeir broke the spell just after the break by fiercely chasing Seraing goalkeeper Galjé and stealing the ball. “The ball was not played ideally for him. I saw him doubt and knew in the corner of my eye that the defender was opening. The goalkeeper had to kick or pass. I go for the choice that he wanted to play short and could intercept the ball and put it in. That goal came ideally after a difficult first half. We didn’t play our best football, but we have been efficient. If you want to put something down, we also have to win these kinds of matches. Our three points are the most important.”

Union’s 0-2 on penalty thanks to a VAR intervention hit Seraing the wrong way. Union midfielder Lazare first got yellow for a schwalbe in the box, but the VAR had seen a slight contact and asked Bert Put to come and have a look. He changed his decision to a penalty and withdrew the yellow card for Lazare. Technical director Carlos Freitas came in person in the press room to complain. “You have to be very creative to see a penalty here,” he said cynically. “I would be happy if someone is able to show that this is a penalty. This is a serious mistake that will destroy the work of our team. It is not right that we pay for the mistakes of others.” (BF)