Belgian clubs continue to impress in European quarter-finals

The three remaining Belgian football clubs in Europe have again impressed, as they avoided defeat in the first leg of the quarter-finals of UEFA's competitions on Thursday evening. RSC Anderlecht won their match, while Union Saint-Gilloise and KAA Gent both drew, meaning all three are still in the running for a semi-final place.

Union Saint-Gilloise are the only Belgian club in the Europa League, UEFA's second biggest competition. They took on Bayer Leverkusen, currently sixth in the German Bundesliga, in the away leg of the tie. The game ended 1-1, with Union's Victor Boniface becoming the Europa League's top scorer in the process.

Anderlecht and Gent are both playing in the Conference League, the smallest UEFA competition. Anderlecht faced AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands in Brussels. While the Dutch team were favourites, an efficient Anderlecht won 2-0. They will have to defend their lead next week in the away leg.

Gent, meanwhile, drew against West Ham United, who are battling to avoid relegation from the English Premier League. Gent went behind in the first half, with a second goal then ruled out for handball. The Belgians came back stronger after half-time and equalised after just six minutes. The game ended 1-1.

The semi-final line-up will be decided next Thursday, 20 April. Anderlecht and Gent will travel to Alkmaar and London respectively, while Union face Leverkusen in Brussels.

^{RSC Anderlecht's Zeno Debast celebrates after the 2-0 win against AZ © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR}