The Union Saint-Gilloise secured a dramatic 3-3 draw against Norwegian league leaders Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round, leaving their European ambitions hanging by a thread. The match, played at Ostend’s stadium, saw the Belgian side twice fight back from behind in an enthralling encounter.

From one set-piece to another

The visitors struck first, with midfielder Elias Berg converting a free-kick in the 20th minute. Union’s Hungarian forward Florucz quickly restored parity just five minutes later, leveling the score at 1-1. The momentum swung back to Bodø/Glimt when defender Blomberg converted a penalty midway through the first half, putting the Norwegians ahead. Florucz responded again right before halftime, sending the teams into the break tied 2-2.

In the 88th minute, Belgian midfielder David Hubert put Union ahead for the first time, only for Bjortuft to level once more in stoppage time. The Belgian side will now need to dig deep in the return leg in Bodø on August 11 if they hope to advance.

A must-win mission in Norway

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Marc Brys’s side. A victory in Bodø would secure their place in the Champions League playoffs, where they would face the winner of the Greek and Dutch qualifiers. Failure would mean a consolation Europa League group stage berth instead.

Union’s recent Champions League history has been fraught with disappointment. They fell at the third qualifying round stage in both 2022 and 2024, eliminated by Glasgow Rangers and Slavia Prague respectively. This season presents another golden opportunity to surpass those exits.

What’s next for the Belgian side?

With the return leg approaching, Union Saint-Gilloise must refine their set-piece defending and capitalize on their attacking opportunities. The Norwegian champions have shown their potency from dead-ball situations, a trend Union will need to disrupt if they are to advance.

Should they fall short, the Europa League group stage still offers a pathway to European football’s secondary competition. But with Club Brugge already through to the league phase as Belgian champions, Union’s focus remains unwavering: secure a Champions League return after years of near misses.