Union Saint-Gilloise makes history as defeats Liverpool 2-1

Brussels – Union Saint Gilloise marks history by beating FC Liverpool in the last match of Europa League stage group. For the Brussels based squad this is an unprecedent moment, in every sense. USG had never won in front of an English team in a European competition. Furthermore, the last Belgian football team capable of beating Liverpool was Anderlecht, in 1978. Yes, it’s all true: USG-LIverpool 2-1, the final score of the match played tonight (14 December). The feat does not allow Union Saint Gilloise to continue its path in the Europea League, as the third place means a ‘relegation’ to the Conference League.

It all came to a head in the first half. Amoura broke the balance with a goal in the 32nd minute, at the end of a run started on the offside line that ended with a winning shot. The lead is short-lived, with the space of seven minutes. From a right corner, Quansah took advantage of a defensive error by the hosts and, alone in the penalty area, pushed the ball into the net. USG had to waito for  just four minutes in order to get the new lead. A quick and winning counterattack that put Puertas in a position to pierce the goalkeeper a second time. It’s 2-1. That’s the result that closes the first half and the fixture doesn’t change anymore.When Liverpool lifted its sixth (and so far last) Champions Cup to the sky in 2019, Union Saint-Gilloise returned to Serie A after a 48-year absence.This gives a taste of the match between two opponents with different stories. We talk about two very different teams for their history, tradition, goals, and ambitions. The great Liverpool, bowing to a team that is little known outside of Belgium and even taking the compliments of the ‘Reds’ coach, Jurgen Klopp.

“It’s a well-deserved win for Union Saint-Gilloise, that’s clear,” the visitors’ coach acknowledged, answering questions from RTBF after the game. “We took a goal that could have been avoided, but more generally, they played better soccer”.

The Union Saint Gilloise’s victory comes 48 year after the Supercup final won by Anderlecht against the same English team. Last Liverpool defeat facing a Belgian squad was dated 4 December, 1978. Since then, nobody has been capable of offering such a performance. Until tonight, of course.