Union Sint-Gillis were crowned Belgian national champions for the twelfth time, and the first since 1935, on Sunday evening, following a decisive 3-1 victory over KAA Gent at the Dudenpark on the final matchday of the Champions’ Play-offs.
Union finished the play-offs with a record-breaking 28 points out of a possible 30, topping the scoreboard with 56 points. Meanwhile, Club Brugge (53) held to a 1-1 draw at home against Antwerp. With 3 points from 30, Gent finished last (26 points), setting a new low in play-off history.
From the outset, Union showed aggressive intent through Franjo Ivanovic, whose early header found only the side netting. Ten minutes in, he broke the deadlock, scoring a goal.
Despite the early lead, Union eased off, and Gent struggled to respond until just before half-time when Andri Gudjohnsen tapped in from close range after a low cross from former Union player Dante Vanzeir.
After the break, Union pushed forward again, with substitutes Promise David and Alessio Castro-Montes. Defender Koki Machida came close to restoring the lead just after the hour mark, but his header struck the woodwork.
Gent offered little threat in the second half, and Union capitalised. In the 68th minute, David seized on a defensive error by Matisse Samoise to fire home from a pass by Anouar Aït El Hadj, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Seven minutes later, David sealed the win with an unorthodox but effective header to make it 3-1.
Coach Sébastien Pocognoli’s side had several chances to widen the margin, but the scoreline held. Union Sint-Gillis was again victorious as Belgian champions, ending a 90-year wait.
