Union SG - RSC Anderlecht
The Jupiler Pro League witnessed a high-stakes encounter between Union St. Gilloise and Anderlecht, where history and local pride set the stage for a dramatic evening of football. Both sides took to the pitch on May 25, 2026, looking to assert their dominance in one of the league's most anticipated fixtures.
A Dominant First-Half Display
Union St. Gilloise started with an intensity that left the visitors struggling to find their rhythm. After Marco Kana received an early booking, the deadlock was broken in the 18th minute when Mateo Biondic clinical finished a move orchestrated by Besfort Zeneli. The momentum stayed firmly with the hosts as Kevin Rodriguez doubled the lead just three minutes later, once again benefiting from the creative vision of Zeneli.
The clinical nature of the Union SG attack continued to punish a shell-shocked Anderlecht defense. In the 32nd minute, Anouar Ait El Hadj added a third goal following an assist from Kevin Rodriguez. The rout was further extended before the halftime whistle, as Anan Khalaili converted a chance created by Adem Zorgane in the 42nd minute, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb in the second period.
Red Card Drama and Late Consolidation
The second half began with a significant turning point that ended any hopes of an Anderlecht comeback. Just two minutes after the restart, Thorgan Hazard was shown a straight red card following heavy protests, forcing the visitors to play the remainder of the match with ten men. Union SG capitalized on their advantage in the 59th minute, with Ross Sykes heading home a third assist of the day from the standout Besfort Zeneli.
Despite the deficit in players and goals, Anderlecht managed to find a late response through their substitutes. Ibrahim Kanate, who came off the bench, managed to pull one back in the 75th minute after being set up by Yari Verschaeren. The closing stages were characterized by physical play and yellow cards for Fedde Leysen and Christian Burgess, but the outcome was never in doubt as Union St. Gilloise secured a comprehensive victory.
