Union SG will need a real step up if they still want to qualify for the main stage of the Champions League. In the preliminary rounds, the vice-champions suffered a heavy blow from Slavia Prague on Wednesday evening: 3-1. The Unionists, who missed a goal after a painful blunder at the back and also swallowed a red card, were also lucky with a late “honorifice”.
Union lost the title in the playoffs last season, but finished second in the final standings. This allowed them to compete for a place in the new Champions League. But to reach the main table, they must survive two preliminary rounds.
Initially, Slavia Prague were the alternate opponents. The capital team finished second in the Czech league last season and were therefore a treacherous opponent. This quickly became clear during the first match. After just 19 minutes, Chory managed to give the home team the lead.
Defensive errors
The visitors had played well up until then, but they paid for Lisin’s mistake in cash. And soon after, it was Morris who made the mistake again. During a corner kick, the Union goalkeeper did not hit Chori’s header well enough, causing the ball to go through him and towards the ropes. So Slavia could rest easy with a double advantage.
Immediately after the break, the Czechs had their opponents by the throat again. With luck rather than skill, Pocognoli’s team managed to prevent a third goal at first. But when Moris simply handed the ball to Dorley, Slavia made it 3-0. A fatal mistake with disastrous consequences (see video below).
Red card for frustration
Then the Union received a glimmer of hope. Castro Monti put the ball in front of goal and Bozic beat his goalkeeper 3-1. However, that hope was quickly dashed. Fuseini could not control his emotions and in all his frustration he was shown a red card.
With ten men between the lines, the people of Brussels had no choice but to limit the damage. It eventually worked, but during the return next week it would take half a miracle to continue the advance.
This was a huge disappointment for the Union which led to a 3-0 win over Slavia. 😑#RTLsports
Live match: https://t.co/tKK0ZvsESJ 👈 pic.twitter.com/fbGcIPgfpR
– RTL Sports (RTLsportsbe) August 7, 2024
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