Union stun Frankfurt with 1-2 win to advance in Conference League

Union Saint-Gilloise stunned Eintracht Frankfurt with a dominant 2-1 victory in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night. The Brussels club bounced back from a 2-2 draw at home last week to secure their place in the round of 16 of the European competition.

The match was expected to be a tough one, with Union Saint-Gilloise having to overcome one of Germany's top clubs on their home turf. But Union were the better side from the outset and converted their dominance into two goals in the second half. A late Frankfurt goal was not enough to prevent an unexpected end to the Germans' European campaign.

"I can hardly believe it, but this victory and qualification is well deserved"

"It left me a bit speechless," said Union coach Alexander Blessin after the match. "I can hardly believe it, but this victory and qualification is well deserved. The way we controlled the majority of the two games against a big Bundesliga side - who were the clear favourites beforehand - makes me feel very fulfilled".

Union will join Club Brugge, who have already qualified for the last 16 as group winners. The draw will take place on Friday afternoon at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. KAA Gent, the third and final Belgian team in Europe this season, were eliminated on Wednesday after a 1-1 draw with Maccabi Haifa of Israel.

^{© BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ}