Union Saint‑Gilloise aims for top 8 after 0‑3 win at Plzen

Under the lights of the Plzen stadium, the Unionists gave their supporters a perfect start in the Europa League, winning 0‑3. Two home matches await them, and the Belgian club already dreams of climbing into the top 8 of the tournament.

In the Jupiler Pro League, Union Saint‑Gilloise shows that it can meet European expectations after this perfect start in Plzen. The 0‑3 victory places the team (fifth in the national standings) among the eight best teams in the Europa League, according to Opta data.

Ambitions displayed after the success in Plzen

“Yes, we have big ambitions in this competition,” said captain Rob Schoofs, very proud of the result. He reminded that keeping feet on the ground remains essential to continue progressing. The Unionists stress the consistency of each match as a condition for success.

Louis Patris added: “I believe we can achieve great things.” He specified that the immediate goal is to reach the Top 8 of the League phase, before defining the next steps. Patris highlighted the importance of aiming high in all competitions.

Saint‑Gilloise keep Europa League hopes alive with late equaliser

Upcoming European fixtures

In the Czech Republic, Stéphane Lecaillon congratulated Kricfalusi, scorer of the third goal in front of his family. This goal confirmed the offensive capability of the team. The Unionists are now preparing to host Real Sociedad at home, before traveling to face Beer‑Sheva.

The home match against Real Sociedad comes after that team’s defeat at Bournemouth. The hosting of Beer‑Sheva, scheduled abroad, is seen as an opponent within the reach of the Saint‑Gilloise. These fixtures offer the prospect of a seven‑out‑of‑nine and a direct qualification to the round of 16 without playoffs.

Viktoria Plzen was considered one of the three most manageable opponents on the schedule, but the 0‑3 success has already placed Union (fifth) among the eight best teams. The club continues to aim for the top 8, an ambition that fuels the dreams of its supporters.