Union Saint-Gilloise won 1-0 against Mechelen. A match like Parc Duden has seen a lot in 2025: defensive solidity and the power of Promise David to make the difference.
Building on its qualification for the semi-finals of the Belgian Cup, Union Saint-Gilloise returned to its Parc Duden. For this first at home in 2026, the evening guest was none other than Mechelen, member of the top 6. A meeting for which Christian Burgess (suspended) and Rob Schoofs (ill) had to skip. David Hubert therefore started Thierno Barry, reassuring against Dender, and Adem Zagence, back from the CAN.
The first half started at a brisk pace in midfield but without danger for the two goalkeepers. Apart from a few stopped phases, the Stade Joseph Marien had to be patient before getting carried away. The first thrill came from a free kick taken by Kevin Mac Allister in the second zone to force Nacho Miras when he leaves his first stop.
As in Dender, the second was good for the Union, and for Promise David in particular. The Canadian took advantage of a 4 against 2 led by Kamiel Van de Perre to drop his man on the spot in depth, before finishing powerfully, under the batten. 1-0 after 35 minutes, it is also the score at half-time to conclude a fairly calm first half, which did not result in the slightest danger in the Unionist rectangle.
No change in the Saint-Gillois ranks for the resumption, no change either in the appearance of the meeting. Solid behind, David Hubert’s men were once again able to count on the set phases to carry the danger. Ross Sykes thus had the 2-0 at the end of the front at the hour mark, but Miras nicely prevented it.
The English defender will nevertheless be suspended for the next match following his sacrifice in one of Mechelen’s only dangerous situations in the game, an axial breakthrough from Maksim Kireev, who had passed and was preparing to adjust at the entrance to the rectangle.
Thanks to a few final breakthroughs from Guilherme, the Union completed a second uneventful victory in 2026 (despite a final recovery from Van Bredeore in the rectangle which made David Hubert tear off his jacket in rage and led Kjell Schepen to his only save of the evening), enough to push Club Bruges back to four points.
