Union Saint-Gilloise secured a dramatic 1-2 victory at Celta de Vigo on November 5, 2026, thanks to two goals from Besfort Zeneli and a heroic performance from goalkeeper Hervé Koffi. The win moves the Brussels club to 10 points from 12 in the Europa League Phase, solidifying their position in the top four and keeping their hopes of a coveted top-eight finish alive.
Union Saint-Gilloise maintained their unbeaten start to the Europa League Phase with a hard-fought victory in Spain. The visitors fell behind early but responded with two goals from Besfort Zeneli to secure a 1-2 win at Celta de Vigo.
That result sees Union climb to the fourth position in the standings with 10 points from four matches. The club is firmly on track for a coveted top-eight finish, which would grant a direct pass to the knockout stage.
Zeneli and Koffi Steer Union Past Early Scare
The match began with a shock for Union. Pablo Durán capitalized on an opening, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past Hervé Koffi off the post. It happened within 12 minutes.
Despite the early setback, Union remained composed and grew into the game. The turning point arrived in the 35th minute. Adem Zorgane, returning from injury, delivered a perfectly weighted through-ball to Zeneli. Zeneli coolly finished to level the score at 1-1.
Just moments after the restart, Zeneli struck again. He combined with Kevin Rodriguez to put Union ahead 2-1. His goals cemented his status as the match-winner.
Union’s lead was briefly put in jeopardy when Zeneli missed a late penalty. His weakly struck effort failed to find the net. This sparked a sustained period of pressure from the home side, who threw everything forward in search of an equalizer.
The Union defense, however, stood firm. Goalkeeper Koffi produced a series of crucial saves to preserve the victory. His performance was lauded by Nieuwsblad, which credited a “beresterke” (rock-solid) Koffi. HBVL noted that under the Spanish pressure he shook a few very good saves out of his sleeve.
Zorgane’s Return Boosts Union’s European Ambitions
The return of midfielder Adem Zorgane was a significant factor in Union’s performance. He missed the start of the campaign with an injury.
His presence on the field provided the creativity and control the team needed.
Union’s strong start was predicted by data analysts. VoetbalBelgie noted that the databureau Opta had tipped Union as the fourth-biggest contender for overall victory
in the Europa League. That bold prediction now seems less far-fetched with their commanding position in the table.
Union's Position in the Europa League
Union’s 10 points from 12 places them firmly in the top four of the Europa League Phase.
The result continues a remarkable run for Union in European competition. As HBVL highlighted, the victory was also the club’s 50th European match since their return to the top flight. It was another impressive result on the road.
