Union stun PSV 3-1 in dream Champions League debut

Union Saint-Gilloise Beat PSV 3-1 in Historic Champions League Debut

Union Saint-Gilloise made a sensational entrance into the UEFA Champions League, defeating Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven 3-1 away in their first-ever appearance in the competition.

The Belgian club, crowned Pro League champions last season for the first time in 90 years, put on a clinical and composed display at the Philips Stadion to mark a historic night.

Promise David Makes History from the Spot

Union got off to a perfect start when Promise David converted a ninth-minute penalty after PSV forward Ricardo Pepi caught defender Christian Burgess with a high boot inside the box.

David’s composed finish not only gave Union the lead but also earned him the honour of becoming the club’s first-ever Champions League goalscorer.

Ait El Hadj Wonder Goal Silences Eindhoven

The Belgian champions doubled their advantage in the 39th minute, courtesy of a brilliant solo goal from Anouar Ait El Hadj. The midfielder seized a loose ball in midfield, surged past defenders, and rifled in a low drive past PSV keeper Matej Kovar.

The goal capped a dominant first-half performance and stunned the home crowd, many of whom expected PSV to cruise in their opening league phase fixture.

Kevin Mac Allister Caps Off Dream Night

Union sealed the win with a third goal in the 81st minute, as defender Kevin Mac Allister – the brother of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister – bundled in from close range after a corner.

Though Ruben van Bommel grabbed a 90th-minute consolation for PSV, it did little to lift spirits after a second successive home humiliation in Europe – following last season’s 7-1 defeat by Arsenal.

PSV Left Searching for Answers

PSV manager Peter Bosz faces tough questions as his side, who topped the Eredivisie last season, once again faltered on the European stage.

They now face a critical trip to Bayer Leverkusen on 1 October, while Union will host Newcastle the same night in what promises to be another thrilling European evening in Brussels.

Post-Match Reaction

• Promise David: “It’s a dream come true for us as a club and for me personally. We’re just getting started.”

• Union Head Coach: “We wanted to show that Belgian football belongs on the biggest stage. Tonight was just the beginning.”

• Peter Bosz (PSV): “We started poorly and never recovered. Credit to Union – they were hungry and clinical.”

Summary

Union Saint-Gilloise’s emphatic 3-1 win over PSV not only marked their first Champions League victory, but also signaled their intention to compete among Europe’s elite.

From Promise David’s early penalty to Mac Allister’s late clincher, Union’s performance was a masterclass in composure, energy, and belief — a historic night not just for the club, but for Belgian football.