Belgian national media were proud of Union Saint-Gilloise’s performance against Liverpool despite returning home empty-handed.
Union Saint-Gilloise won promotion to the Belgian first division until 2021 – two years later they found themselves facing Liverpool at Anfield.
Despite going 2-0 down – thanks to Ryan Gravenberch’s first goal and Diogo Jota’s late strike – the visitors gave a good account of themselves as they showed their attacking prowess at home to one of the Europa League favourites.
It was also a touching moment for everyone to see Liverpool’s Alexis MacAllister and his brother Kevin – with family watching in the stands – face opposing teams for the first time in their professional careers.
When Liverpool were first introduced to the competition in August, a video emerged of Union Saint-Gilloise players celebrating just the thought of meeting the six-time Champions League winners. Now, after visiting Anfield, this is how Belgium’s national media reacted.
“Anfield gets ten for atmosphere and comfort”
Het Laatste Nieuws wrote: “It was not an (absolute) dream night for Union Saint-Gillois. Liverpool needed goals from Gravenberch – after Moris dropped – and Jota. I also particularly enjoy the atmosphere at Anfield. To everyone. Later, Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp congratulates.
“The most important matches of the Europa League are coming soon for the union. Two matches against LASK Linz. If you want to have a winter like last season, it would be nice to get six out of six against the Austrians. A trick in Liverpool was not possible.
“Anyway, the players had to enjoy it. The myth of ‘You never walk alone’ comes from the stadium.” Union fans did the same. They jumped, sang, screamed for 90 minutes. A happy smile on his face. They will no longer take it away from them. From 2023 to eternity. Anfield gets 10 for atmosphere and comfort. Even Anthony Morris has to admit that. He stared into space after the final whistle. For a moment, all emotions were captured. The Union goalkeeper pulled on his socks again. A curse would follow. He played a near perfect game. It’s a shame about that one (judgment) mistake in the 44th minute.”
“Another memory for the history books”Â
Het Belang van Limburg wrote: “Union’s dream didn’t turn into a nightmare. That’s an achievement in itself. The Brussels side managed to avoid a penalty against Liverpool’s stars but lost 2-0 at Anfield. “They didn’t hide it before: it was a dream for everyone to play for the union in the magical temple of football at Anfield. Three years ago in [division] 1B, on Thursday night in the Europa League against Liverpool. a plaque for the good work of the recent years, proof for the players that their determination pays off.
“The history of the Union players is well known. Almost all of them were either rejected at some point or barely got a chance to play. Amoura was only a substitute in Lugano, Castro-Montes ended up in the B team of AA Gent, Amani Lazare was once transferred to Charleroi, Anthony Moris was even without a club for a while and can go on and on. As the entire stadium sings “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before kick-off, they all reminisce about those difficult moments of their careers in the catacombs of legendary Anfield.
“Day or not, the Union has another memory for the history books.”
“Didn’t refuse a fight”
La Capitale wrote: “Despite Liverpool’s clear superiority, the Unionists did not refuse to fight. Moris made several saves, but the man who should have been Belgium’s hero of the night paid for his only mistake of the match by providing the first. Already decisive .a goal for Gravenberch.
“The Union have nothing to be ashamed of when they play the Reds. And really wasn’t surprised that I played the game, showing ambition to recover during the first episode. Given the quality of Liverpool’s core and the constant drive value of the Anfield crowd, many managers would want to park the bus. Blesses the ability to resist all self-defense reflexes.
“Terho was of course left behind in his organization (Terho to Lapoussin and Sadiki dropped to the bench), but its 3-5-2 system constantly left the door open to real prospects. Amoura’s constant support and position in direct contact with Nilsson allowed to the Saint-Gilloise team to relieve the visitors again of Liverpool’s constant pressure in defense and midfield. For the rest of the goalkeeper Alisson in a forward line led by Salah, Nunez and Diogo Jota, Klopp clearly relied on almost maximum striking power, proving that the warning to his players in the previous day’s press conference was not false.
