Union Saint-Gilloise fight back to earn 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad in Europa League

The Royale Union Saint-Gilloise came from behind to draw 1-1 with Real Sociedad in the second matchday of the UEFA Europa League league phase on Thursday.

The Belgian side fell behind immediately after half-time but continued to press and were rewarded late on, with Sekou Keita’s equaliser securing a point in front of their home supporters.

After a goalless first half, during which Union Saint-Gilloise registered eight attempts, Real Sociedad took the lead in the 46th minute. Benat Turrientes had been introduced at the interval in place of Yangel Herrera and made an immediate impact by finding the net.

Real Sociedad then focused on protecting their advantage, but Union Saint-Gilloise maintained their attacking pressure. Their efforts paid off in the 88th minute when Keita, who had come on five minutes earlier, scored the equaliser.

The goal was confirmed following a VAR review.

Union Saint-Gilloise finished the match with 15 shots, five of them on target, compared with five attempts and one effort on target for Real Sociedad. The performance gives the Belgian club an attacking platform to take from the result.

The draw takes Union Saint-Gilloise to four points after two matches in the league phase, while Real Sociedad open their account with their first point.