Union St Gilloise have put the Pro League on notice after thumping win to open the play-offs | OneFootball

Last season, Union St Gilloise fell apart during the play-offs. The side struggled from the get go as their lead was cut down week on week by Club Brugge, with Union eventually finishing behind Nicky Hayen’s men and seeing the title slip through their fingers. This year, they have gone from the hunted to the hunters, and their start to this years post-season campaign is ominous for the rest of the league. On Saturday evening, Union dismantled Antwerp.

After just 15 minutes the side were 2-0 up thanks to goals from Anan Khalaili and a fantastic solo run from Promise David. Gyrano Kerk made it 2-1, but after Rosen Bozhinov got sent off for a second yellow card just before half-time, Union were in full control. Franjo Ivanovic converted the spot-kick to make it 3-1 and add to his impressive season so far. Koki Machida and Ivanovic added to the scoring in the second half to finish the game 5-1, a huge contrast to how Union has historically began the play-offs.

Ahead of both Club Brugge and Genk’s games on Sunday, Union have laid down a marker. They began this years Championship play-offs six points behind leaders Genk, a lead that is certainly not comfortable for Thorsten Fink’s men. For Antwerp, their hopes of European football look set to be either finishing fourth and beating the side that finish top of the second play-off, or that Anderlecht win the cup and they get a spot automatically with a fourth place finish.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson