Union Saint-Gilloise clinch first Belgian title since 1935
Union Saint-Gilloise were crowned Belgian national champions for the 12th time, and the first since 1935, on Sunday, following a decisive 3-1 victory over KAA Gent 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 league with 56 points. Club Brugge finished on 53 after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Antwerp. With 3 points from 30, Gent finished last on 26 points, setting a new low.
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.
Union eased off after the goal but 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. 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, Promise 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.
Union had several chances to widen the margin, but the game finished 3-1, giving Union the title after a 90-year wait.
Union supporters celebrate winning the match against KAA Gent and the Belgian championship ©BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS
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