On the second day of the Champions’ Play-offs, Union Cercle hosted Brugge in the Dudenpark. Muslic again opted for Lemaréchal in midfield, Siquet also started in the starting eleven. Amoura came back into the team at Union, the suspended Burgess was replaced by Machida.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, Union and Cercle looked into each other’s eyes. Union had to win to be assured of first place. Cercle could also use points with a view to European football.
The match starts fiercely with high pressure from both teams. Union is having a hard time with this and Cercle is able to build up a double lead after six minutes through Minda and Denkey. The Dudenpark was surprised and Union had to look for three goals.
The wait until just before half time until Union gets a penalty. Utkus hit Lapoussin’s leg and the ball hit the spot. Cool trick for the Swede Gustaf Nilsson who coolly kicked the penalty into the bottom right corner.
In the second half, Union had to overcome a 1-2 deficit against a stiff Cercle. Union has the upper hand but still takes the 1-3 on the counter. Denkey gives in with Minda who can give way to Somers. The captain plays the ball in front of an empty goal.
Union came on and was able to score the tying goal in the 92nd minute, but the equalizer was not forthcoming. The match ends with a 2-3 win for Cercle. Union is doing a bad job with this and could lose first place in the rankings if Anderlecht manages to gain points on the Club Brugge field.
