Union Saint-Gilloise, remember them? The supposed hopeless outfit from Belgium are sitting pretty at the top of Europa League Group D with three wins from the first three games.
Significant scalps away to Braga and Union Berlin have been secured with a home win over Malmo in between. That run speaks for itself and deserves respect.
100% record. Two comeback wins. Top of Group D.
🟡🔵 Union SG 👏👏👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/yr81xU80hg
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 7, 2022
USG gave Rangers an early scare in the Champions League Third qualifying round with a shocking performance in Leuven requiring Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team to turn around a 2-0 deficit in the second leg at Ibrox.
Thankfully, that response was delivered and would be bettered in the Playoff round against PSV Eindhoven but since then performances have dipped significantly.
That is certainly not the case for Karel Geraerts team who achieved Europa League qualification automatically following their elimination against Rangers. That was their parachute to continue playing European football but they have continued to fly high in style.
What makes the trio of wins even more impressive is the fact that that two of them have come from losing positions.
On Matchday One in Braga, two very late goals secured that victory whilst at home to Malmo, they equalised twice before getting a winner. Arguably the most impressive result was on Matchday Three on Thursday at Bundesliga table toppers Union Berlin, when a first half USG strike was the solitary goal of that game.
With a six point lead over Union – in third place in the EL group – they are very well placed to secure a Last 16 spot in UEFA’s secondary club competition.
Anyone fancy a reunion in the New Year?