Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle United

Union Saint-Gilloise marked their Champions League debut in style, producing one of matchday one’s standout results by beating Eredivisie champions PSV 3-1 in Eindhoven. That impressive away win was followed by two further domestic victories [2-1 vs Genk and 3-1 vs Westerlo], leaving the Belgian champions brimming with belief ahead of their first-ever home fixture in the competition. Facing English opposition is nothing new for Union SG. They lost their first three encounters before finally breaking through with a 2-1 win over Liverpool in the Europa League group stage in December 2023. That result highlighted their growing European pedigree, as did their unbeaten run of seven home group-stage matches across UEFA competitions [4W, 3D, 0L]. If Les Unionistes can claim another victory here, they would become the first Belgian club since RWD Molenbeek in 1975 to begin a European Cup campaign with successive wins. Two more goals would also see the Brussels outfit reach the 50-goal milestone in UEFA competitions. Coach Sébastien Pocognoli will be without injured Mohammed Fuseini, as he may opt for a 3—4—1—2 formation. Promise Akinpelu and Kevin Rodríguez are expected upfront.

Newcastle, however, represents a stern test. Eddie Howe’s side began their campaign with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Barcelona on Matchday One before suffering another 2-1 loss to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday. The Magpies are now winless in their last five UCL games [0W, 1D, 4L], underlining the challenge they face in regaining momentum. Their historical record against Belgian opposition provides more encouragement. Since losing their very first such meeting to Anderlecht in 1970, the Toon Army have gone unbeaten in nine subsequent European encounters against Belgian clubs [8W, 1D, 0L]. More broadly, English teams have dominated in Belgium, winning nine of their last 11 UCL away games [9W, 1D, 1L], with Aston Villa’s 2024 defeat to Club Brugge the lone setback. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s away form in Europe has been patchy, with only one victory in their last 11 UEFA away matches [1W, 6D, 4L]. USG will try to capitalise on that fragility and build on their dream start to life in the competition. Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey and Fabian Schär are on the sidelines for Newcastle. Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy may lead their attacking line in a 4—3—3 formation.