Europa LeagueAnother new European scalp on Union’s totem. In the final phase, the Brussels club turned a 1-0 deficit into a 1-2 win against Braga. The substitutes made the difference: Nilsson scored twice on a pass from Adingra.
The European fairy tale of Union therefore continues. For example, Union in the Europa League, just like Club Brugge in the Champions League, can show off with a clear course and the maximum of the points after three match days. Union seemed to be unhappy with the match scenario at first with two disallowed goals, a crossbar that was right and a few missed giant opportunities, but in a crazy final phase everything still fell into place.
In Braga’s stadium, which leans against a rock wall, you have to navigate your team well to avoid hitting the rocks. Union was certainly not to be blamed in that regard in the first half. The Brussels club had prepared for a furious start for the home team, but that was not so bad. The comfortable position in the standings of both teams must have played a part in the back of their minds: then it is not necessary to take major risks right from the kick-off and a leisurely inspection round can occur.
Dangerous infiltrations in the sixteen meters turned out to be scarce. But at Union’s first real chance, the ball was in the net via Vanzeir. Unfortunately for the striker, the ball had hit his upper arm first: hand play. Not the only rejected goal from Union, because halfway through the first half Nieuwkoop also cheered after a one-two with Vanzeir too early: the Dutchman had narrowly left offside.
In this way Union showed itself more offensively. Braga didn’t do much in that area and was more noticed for sneaky fouls. André Horta even escaped red after an unnecessary wipe in Lynen’s face. Braga created the first danger when the break approached. After a bad response from Lapoussin, Racic was able to advance and shoot: Moris kept alert.
Best man at Union in the first half: Lazare, who has played football for Estoril Praia in Portugal in the past. With his short turning circle and large radius of action, he initiated many phases. Boniface was a little less prominent in the piece as a point of contact, but just before half-time he gave another example of his class. Played by Teuma, he first saw a shot blocked, but he took the rebound on the edge of the box in a time high on the shoe. Now the crossbar was in the way for a deserved lead for Union.
The second half had a completely different face in store. Barely kicked off or Braga was able to complete a nice combination. Vitinha wiped down the right flank and put back well for Abel Ruiz who left Moris no chance. Shortly afterwards, the Union goalkeeper saved the furniture with a good leg sweep on an outbreak of Vitinha.
Union pulled out all the offensive registers after falling behind. Nieuwkoop soon missed the huge chance to equalize. After a warded attempt, he had the corner to pick, but he aimed another leg. Union also fired dangerous shots from the second line, but Braga put his head in front. And Boniface came in just too late to score a cross. The fact that it remained exciting in the meantime was also thanks to Moris: he prevented Ruiz’s 2-0 on a counter.
Union continued to insist, and in the final phase still received a wage for work. The substitutes made the difference. Adingra tipped the ball over the defense to Nilsson who coolly cleared the right post. Union would have been very satisfied with a draw, but in the injury time a much nicer apple fell from the Portuguese sky. Again Nilsson proved accurate after some wrangling in front of goal on the pass of Adingra. Union could celebrate the victory in ecstasy. The European hibernation cannot go wrong after three match days in group D.
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