Union Saint-Gilloise’s first appearance in the Champions League ended in disappointment despite a final-day victory, as the Belgian side were knocked out of the competition after narrowly missing out on a play-off place.
A 1-0 win over Atalanta Bergamo on the closing matchday of the league phase was not enough to extend their European journey, with Ousseynou Niang among those involved as Union bowed out at the group stage.
The result briefly raised hopes of qualification, but Union Saint-Gilloise ultimately finished 27th in the overall standings, level on points with Benfica, who claimed the final play-off spot in 24th position thanks to a superior goal difference.
While the Portuguese side ended the phase on a goal difference of minus two, Union’s tally of minus nine proved decisive.
The narrow margins underlined the fine balance of Union’s campaign. Three victories across the group stage showed their ability to compete at Europe’s highest level, but five defeats left them vulnerable heading into the final round of matches. Even victory against Atalanta could not compensate for earlier setbacks.
For Ousseynou Niang, the match represented another significant appearance in a historic season for the club. The Senegalese player featured as Union sought to defy the odds and extend their Champions League adventure.
The win over the Italian side ensured the campaign ended on a positive note, even as elimination was confirmed elsewhere.
Union Saint-Gilloise entered the competition as debutants and faced the challenge of adapting quickly to the intensity and consistency required at elite European level. Their performances produced moments of promise but also exposed the cost of lapses across the eight matches played.
The final standings illustrated the unforgiving nature of the format, where a single goal across the group phase separated qualification from elimination. Despite matching Benfica on points, Union were left to reflect on missed opportunities earlier in the campaign that ultimately shaped their fate.
Although their Champions League run is over, the victory against Atalanta offered a measure of consolation and reinforced the progress the club has made in recent seasons.
The experience gained from competing against established European opposition is expected to serve as a foundation for future continental campaigns.
For now, Union Saint-Gilloise turn their focus back to domestic football, carrying with them the lessons of a debut Champions League season that ended in heartbreak, but also confirmed their ability to compete on Europe’s biggest stage.
