Historic Champions League Debut: Union Saint-Gilloise Stun PSV

The UEFA Champions League kicked off in spectacular fashion, and the Belgian underdogs Union Saint-Gilloise wrote their name into European football history with a sensational 3-1 away win over PSV Eindhoven.

Playing their first-ever match in the continent’s most prestigious club competition, few gave Union SG much of a chance — especially at the intimidating Philips Stadion, where PSV have been dominant in recent seasons. But the Belgian side defied expectations with a fearless performance that will be remembered for years to come.

Early Shock: Promes Scores from the Spot

The tone was set early. In just the 8th minute, PSV's Ricardo Pepi made a clumsy challenge in the box, bringing down Burgess with a late tackle. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation, and David Promes converted the penalty with composure — the first-ever Champions League goal in Union Saint-Gilloise's history.

PSV Hit the Bar But Fail to Respond

PSV reacted with urgency. In the 16th minute, Van Bommel (the younger) made a powerful run into the box and unleashed a rocket — only to be denied by the crossbar. Moments later, Ismael Saibari came inches away from an equaliser, curling a shot narrowly wide of the far post.

El-Hadji Punishes Defensive Error

Despite the pressure, it was Union SG who struck again. A miscommunication in PSV’s back line allowed Ayoub Ait El Hadj to waltz through midfield and fire home from 14 yards. 2-0 — and the stunned crowd in Eindhoven was left in disbelief.

Second-Half Drama: Missed Chances and a Killer Third

Rather than sitting back, Union Saint-Gilloise continued to press after the break. Rodrigues nearly made it 3-0, but Kovář made a fingertip save to keep PSV alive. The Dutch side had a golden opportunity to claw one back in the 55th minute, but Saibari somehow missed an open net following a low cross from the right.

That miss proved costly. In the 81st minute, Mac Allister highest during a corner kick and headed home the third, silencing the home crowd and effectively sealing the victory.

Consolation for PSV, But No Comeback

In stoppage time, Van Bommel Jr. finally found the net for PSV, giving the fans something to cheer about. But the final whistle confirmed a stunning 3-1 result for Union Saint-Gilloise — an unforgettable night for the Belgian debutants.

2025-26 UEFA Champions League

PSV Eindhoven - Union Saint-Gilloise 1:3 (0:2)
Goals: David, 9 (penalty) (0:1); Ait El Hadj, 39 (0:2); Mac Allister, 81 (0:3); van Bommel R., 90 (1:3)

PSV Eindhoven: Kovar M.; Gasiorowski; Flamingo; Obispo (Salah-Eddine, 46); Dest S.; Perišić I.; Schouten (Til G., 46); Veerman J.; Saibari (Wanner P., 74); van Bommel R.; Pepi (Boadu, 73; Man D., 81)
Substitution: Salah-Eddine (from 46); Til G. (from 46); Boadu (from 73 till 81); Wanner P. (from 74); Man D. (from 81)
Bench: Olij; Schiks; Nagalo; Bajraktarević; Driouech

Union Saint-Gilloise: Scherpen; Mac Allister; Burgess; Leysen; Zorgane; Rasmussen Ma.; Ait El Hadj (Van De Perre, 75); Niang Ou.; Rodríguez K. (Schoofs, 88); Khalaili; David (Giger M., 66)
Substitution: Giger M. (from 66); Van De Perre (from 75); Schoofs (from 88)
Bench: Chambaere; Barry; Sykes R.; Patris L.; Boufal; Guilherme C.; Berradi