Union Saint-Gilloise face Plzen in Europa League without their leaders

Union Saint-Gilloise begins its fifth consecutive European campaign this Thursday evening in Plzen, Czech Republic, as part of the Europa League. The Belgian club, coming from the Jupiler Pro League, presents itself as an outsider despite the absence of several key players. This match marks the first game of the group stage.

Major absences

Midfielder Kevin Mac Allister is not traveling, nor Van de Perre, nor Zorgane, nor Florucz, which deprives Union of its usual pillars. “Yes, we will be the best version of ourselves despite these absences,” said the coach, disappointed to lose his captain on the field. Without the Champions League and without Kevin Mac Allister, the club must reinvent its game.

CEO Philippe Bormans reminded that the team trains at the Doosan Arena, under the supervision of Stéphane Lecaillon, and that goalkeeper David Hubert is observing the preparations. “We will not go and buy a replacement for Mac Allister,” he affirmed, emphasizing the value of each player already present. His ambition remains to shine in this competition, even if the Jupiler Pro League does not provide the usual European benchmarks.

Goals and context

The Europa League does not have the prestige of the Champions League, but 24 of the 36 teams advance to the next stage, giving the second Belgian team in the UEFA coefficient a chance to assert itself. Union Saint‑Gilloise is targeting places 9 to 16, or even the top 8 which directly opens the round of 16. Without the glamour of the Champions League, the club relies on consistency to progress.

In its recent history, Union has faced Berlin, Liverpool, Leverkusen, Braga and Nice, opponents who have left lasting memories for the yellow and blue supporters. These experiences strengthen the belief that every match matters, even when it is played in Pilsen, far from Belgium.

During the press conference, the coach repeated: “Yes, we will be the best version of ourselves.” This sentence, spoken in front of the media, sums up the group’s mindset, which must compensate for the absence of Kevin Mac Allister and other starters. The goal is to walk away with three points, in order to reassure the supporters and prove that Union can compete even as an outsider.

The trip to Plzen involves a journey to the city’s stadium, where the team will settle in the facilities of the Doosan Arena before kickoff. Stéphane Lecaillon oversees the training sessions, while the technical staff adjusts tactics to counter the local club. The preparation is carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the Jupiler Pro League.

Ultimately, the contrast between the absence of its leaders and the stated ambition shows that Union Saint‑Gilloise wants to impose its identity in the Europa League. The Belgian club, considered an outsider, hopes to turn these challenges into opportunities and prove that, even without its key players, it can shine in Plzen.