European fairy tale of Union ends with heavy home defeat against Leverkusen

There was already disappointment at the end of the first half. Frustration even – Lazare began to smack insidiously. The Unionists are to their credit that they found it difficult to digest the imminent elimination: they sincerely thought they could win this Europa League. And honestly: we didn’t dare pop that balloon – that wouldn’t have been respectful, given Union’s course. From PhD candidate to vice champion to European quarter-finalist: chapeau.

But now also a top German club like Leverkusen: that was too much to ask. After barely two minutes, Union was already 0-1 in debt. The Union defenders were not very decisive, Moussa Diaby – not coincidentally on the radar of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain – slipped through, outplayed Moris and worked the 0-1 against the nets. With the break approaching, Bakker’s left flank made it 0-2 after a perfectly played counter.

After the draw, the idea was that Leverkusen would become a bite-sized chunk. After all, they were in the Bundesliga under Union Berlin, which Union SG had previously easily beaten. But if you ask us, this Leverkusen is a much better team.

Union has soared above itself on gala nights so far, but you can’t expect that to happen again and again. Against Leverkusen, the team from Brussels did not fall through the basket, only ‘just fine’ is not good enough against a team of this calibre. Leverkusen was too rarely embarrassed in the first sixty minutes. After the 0-1, there was a blocked shot from Boniface, Machida headed over and after the break the pressure was not converted into great opportunities.

On the hour mark there was another mistake in the back by Burgess and Moris – defensively it was not enough for this level this time – so that Frimpong had to push in the 0-3. Then you think it’s definitely over, but…

In the minutes that followed, substitute Terho made it 1-3. It fueled the belief in a comeback in the Lott Park – excuse me, the ‘Anderlecht Stadium’. The more than 17,000 fans present vocally supported their heroes, which inspired Teuma to play a cunning ball on Boniface. The Nigerian just couldn’t reach it. From the press gallery it was clear to see that Xabi Alonso was not comfortable. We got it – he was there when Liverpool fought back against AC Milan in the Champions League final after a 3-0 deficit.

Leverkusen did not know where to run first, it was sink or swim. With a hot position in front of goal, Lynen was able to lash out, his bang stranded on a German. But just then Leverkusen made it 1-4. Killing the match at a difficult moment: it’s a quality.

As far as we are concerned, Union can be extremely proud of what it showed in Europe this season. In the Champions League preliminary rounds, Rangers from Scotland falter – Karel Geraerts still has nightmares about that exit -, but there is no need to regret: the Europa League was too good for that. In the group stage, Union came first in a group with Union Berlin, Braga and Malmö. Geraerts’ team won its three away games, while the trips to Berlin and Braga were considered very difficult.

With the wintering, the campaign could already be called more than successful, but it became even more punishing. Again Union Berlin was played from the box to the wall in the eighth finals, Union was competitive twice against Leverkusen.

The star in Europe was without a doubt Boniface – six goals. However, it is unfair to single out only one player. Lynen, Lazare, Teuma, Lapoussin, Nieuwkoop: they all deserve a mention. L’Union fait la force. Unity is strength. Especially at Union.

The elimination also has one advantage: Union can now fully focus on the title fight. Because take it from us: last season’s second place has not been consumed in Sint-Gillis.

Geraerts – he also scores points week after week – gave Lazare and Boniface another standing ovation. The public thanked its heroes for a historic European vintage. As we do now: thank you, Union. We enjoyed.

Union: Moris, Kandouss (46′ Terho), Burgess, Machida, Nieuwkoop, Lynen, Teuma (87′ El Azzouzi), Lazare (81′ Puertas), Lapoussin, Vertessen (32′ Adingra), Boniface (81′ Nilsson)

Leverkusen: Hradecky, Tapsoba (59′ Koussounou), Tah, Hincapie, Frimpong (71′ Adli), Andrich, Amiri (59′ Demirbay), Bakker, Diaby (86′ Bellarabi), Wirtz, Hlozek (86′ Azmoun)

goals: 2′ Diaby (0-1), 38′ Bakker (Hlozek, 0-2), 61′ Frimpong (0-3), 65′ Terho (Lapoussin, 1-3), 79′ Hlozek (1-4)

Yellow cards: 75′ Teuma

Red cards: no

Referee: Mateu Lahoz

Geraerts: “Disappointment dominates”

Karel Geraerts “doesn’t like to lose”, and so, despite the great campaign, he did not appear at the press conference with a smile. “I am very proud, but it is difficult to say now after this elimination. Disappointment prevails. We played against a very strong team with very strong players, but we also have to put our hand in our own bosom: we were certainly not top before half time. After the break we pushed Leverkusen away for 35 minutes, we couldn’t take advantage of that enough.”

After the exit from Europe, Union has one goal left: the championship. Does Geraerts fear that this exit will linger and could have a negative impact? “That is difficult to estimate. We’ve already had taps this year. Well, the team has always responded well. The boys are disappointed, but we can turn that switch. We have the ambition to go full for that title.”