In a highly anticipated clash in the Belgian Pro League, RSC Anderlecht faced off against Union Saint-Gilloise at Lotto Park in Brussels on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The match kicked off at 12:45 hours, drawing significant attention from fans eager to see how the teams would perform in this crucial stage of the championship round.
Anderlecht, led by Mexican forward César ‘Chino’ Huerta, came into the match looking to rebound from a disappointing defeat in the Belgian Cup final against their fierce rivals, Club Brugge. The loss had been a bitter pill to swallow, and the team was eager to secure a spot in the Europa League for the next season. Despite their recent struggles, Anderlecht had shown signs of improvement, winning three consecutive matches in the league prior to this encounter.
On the other side, Union Saint-Gilloise, coached by Sébastien Pocognoli, was riding high on success, sitting atop the league standings with a one-point lead over Brugge. They were coming off a solid performance, having defeated Genk 1-0 in their last outing, and were determined to maintain their lead as the season approached its climax.
The match started with an early scare for Union Saint-Gilloise when they were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute. However, Franjo Ivanovic's attempt went wide, leaving the score at 0-0. This miss proved to be a critical moment as it allowed Anderlecht to regroup and focus on their strategy.
As the first half progressed, Anderlecht struggled to find their rhythm. Huerta, starting as a forward, had a quiet first half, touching the ball infrequently and failing to create significant scoring opportunities. In the 27th minute, disaster struck for the home team when a defensive error allowed Mohammed Fuseini of Union Saint-Gilloise to score the opening goal with a well-placed shot past goalkeeper Colin Coosemans, making it 1-0.
After halftime, Anderlecht attempted to turn the tide. They were awarded a penalty after a VAR review deemed a foul in the box, giving Kasper Dolberg the chance to level the score. Unfortunately for Anderlecht, Dolberg’s powerful shot was saved by goalkeeper Anthony Moris, and a follow-up goal by Mario Stroeykens was ruled out due to an infringement, further compounding their frustrations.
With the match nearing its conclusion, Anderlecht found themselves in a precarious position, trailing 1-0. The defeat left them with 36 points, firmly in fourth place within the playoff round, complicating their hopes for UEFA competition qualification next season.
Meanwhile, Union Saint-Gilloise celebrated their victory, solidifying their position at the top of the league with 50 points. Their strong performance throughout the season has been marked by consistent play and resilience, making them serious contenders for the championship title.
Reflecting on the match, Coach Sébastien Pocognoli expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, “We showed great character today against a strong opponent. Every point is vital as we aim for the title.”
César Huerta, on the other hand, faced criticism for his performance, having been substituted at halftime after a lackluster display. He acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, “We need to regroup and focus on the next match. We can't dwell on this loss.”
As the season enters its final weeks, the pressure mounts for both teams. Anderlecht must regroup quickly if they hope to secure a place in European competition, while Union Saint-Gilloise must fend off a determined Club Brugge, who are hot on their heels.
Fans of both clubs have plenty to look forward to as the championship round continues, with every match carrying significant weight. The battle for the title is heating up, and both teams will need to bring their best to the pitch in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, Anderlecht will need to address their defensive lapses and find a way to get their attacking players, like Huerta, back into form. Meanwhile, Union Saint-Gilloise will aim to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their current lead.
With the stakes higher than ever, the final matches of the season promise to deliver excitement and drama as teams vie for glory in the Belgian Pro League.
