In a thrilling encounter on April 20, 2025, Union Saint-Gilloise continued their impressive form in the Champions Playoffs by defeating Genk 2-1 at the Luminus Arena. This victory marked Union's fourth consecutive win in the playoffs, solidifying their position as serious contenders for the title.
Before the match, Union Saint-Gilloise was in third place with 37 points, while Genk led the standings with 40 points. The stakes were high, as a win for Union would bring them level on points with Genk, creating a competitive race for the top spot. In the backdrop, Club Brugge, sitting in second with 39 points, awaited the outcome eagerly, as they were scheduled to play against La Gantoise later that evening.
Union's head coach, Sébastien Pocognoli, made some notable decisions in the lineup. Despite his recent performance that included a goal and an assist against Anderlecht, Ait El Hadj started the match on the bench. Meanwhile, Van de Perre and Charles Vanhoutte were brought in to add strength to the squad. For Genk, Steuckers and Karetsas returned to the starting lineup after recovering from injuries.
The match began with both teams displaying cautious strategies, focusing on controlling the game without exposing themselves to counterattacks. The first half saw a fair amount of rhythm, but clear-cut chances were few and far between. Goalkeepers Penders for Genk and Moris for Union were not heavily tested in the opening stages.
However, the tide turned in the 40th minute when Promise David scored the opening goal for Union. After an impressive back-heel assist from Sadiki, David found himself in a prime position. Although his initial shot was off-target, a slight touch from El Ouahdi led to a VAR review, which confirmed the goal. This late first-half strike was a significant blow to Genk, who had been looking to maintain their lead in the standings.
As the second half commenced, Union Saint-Gilloise continued to apply pressure. Khalaili had a golden opportunity to double the lead, but his effort was thwarted by Penders. Ivanovic then came close, heading the ball towards goal, only for it to go over the bar from close range. Despite these missed chances, Union's momentum was undeniable.
In a decisive moment, David managed to score again, showcasing his composure in front of goal. After a swift counterattack, he found himself one-on-one with the Genk goalkeeper. With ice in his veins, David slotted the ball home, making it 2-0 for Union and putting them in a commanding position.
Genk, however, was not ready to concede defeat. They fought back valiantly and managed to pull one back in stoppage time through Tolu Arokodare, who scored to make it 1-2. Despite their efforts, it was too late for Genk to mount a full comeback.
This victory allowed Union to maintain their perfect record in the playoffs, now boasting 12 points from 12 available. They are set to face Brugge next, a crucial match that could determine the trajectory of the title race. Meanwhile, Genk will look to rebound as they travel to Antwerp for their next fixture.
With this win, Union has not only leveled on points with Genk but also sent a strong message to the league: they are serious about their title ambitions. The upcoming matches against Brugge will be pivotal, as both teams have shown they can be formidable opponents.
In the broader context of the Pro League, the battle for the top spot is heating up. With Brugge poised to potentially take the lead against Gent, the dynamics of the league could shift dramatically in the coming days. Union's performance against Genk has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Champions Playoffs, and fans will be eagerly watching as the title race unfolds.
