Key Takeaways:
- Union Saint-Gilloise secured a historic 3:1 victory away to PSV Eindhoven in their first-ever Champions League match
- The Belgian side, reigning domestic champions, led 2:0 at half time with goals from Promise David and Anouar Ait El Hadj
- Union Saint-Gilloise will return to action at home against Newcastle on 1 October, while PSV visit Bayer Leverkusen in search of recovery
Match Analysis
Union Saint-Gilloise marked their inaugural appearance in the Champions League with an emphatic 3:1 win at the Philips Stadion against PSV. The Belgian champions, who ended a 90-year wait for a league title last season, delivered a performance to remember in their maiden outing on Europe’s biggest stage.
The encounter began in dramatic fashion, with the visitors awarded a penalty after just nine minutes. Ricardo Pepi fouled Christian Burgess in the box, earning the Belgians a golden opportunity. Promise David converted coolly, writing his name into the club’s history as the scorer of their first-ever Champions League goal.
Tonight was Union Saint-Gilloise's FIRST ever match in the UEFA Champions League…
They marked the moment with a 3-1 win away to PSV. Brilliant. 🇧🇪👏 pic.twitter.com/M37Hb7xSY2
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 16, 2025
Player Performances and Key Moments
Union Saint-Gilloise were relentless in their approach, extending their lead before the interval. In the 39th minute, midfielder Anouar Ait El Hadj intercepted possession in central midfield, embarked on a surging solo run, and finished confidently with a low drive beyond goalkeeper Matěj Kovář to make it 2:0.
The visitors maintained control deep into the second half and further strengthened their advantage in the 81st minute. Kevin Mac Allister, sibling to Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, capitalised on a corner routine to slot home from close range and extend the lead to 3:0.
PSV Eindhoven managed a late response in the 90th minute through Ruben van Bommel, who converted a close-range strike. However, this last-gasp effort did little to ease the disappointment for the hosts, who endured another bruising European defeat following their 1:7 loss to Arsenal last season in the round of 16.
Statistics and Upcoming Fixtures
| Team | Goals | Goal Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| PSV Eindhoven | 1 | Ruben van Bommel (90′) |
| Union Saint-Gilloise | 3 | Promise David (9′ pen), Anouar Ait El Hadj (39′), Kevin Mac Allister (81′) |
Union Saint-Gilloise now turn their attention to their next group encounter, a home clash with Newcastle scheduled for 1 October. Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven will look to bounce back as they travel to face Bayer Leverkusen in their subsequent Champions League fixture.
