One goal from Koki Machida was enough for Union to win its first prize since returning to the first division. The Japanese had scored once before this season, also in the cup. But Antwerp was mainly punished for its much too defensive attitude in the first half.
The temperatures were ideal, the supporters were even warmer. The Heysel was resounding with the enthusiasm of the two groups of supporters. Everything was there to make it a fantastic football afternoon.
Antwerp in hedgehog position
But as is often the case when the stakes are so high, it was a lot less hot on the field. Union started very well, but Antwerp set up a six-man defense with three men in front when they lost possession. That was barely possible for the people of Brussels.
The match started for Union, but Antwerp fought – and you can take that literally. It was the warriors who took the lead: De Laet, Janssen and Alderweireld. Occasionally a Unionist was allowed to fly half a meter into the air.
Machida punishes it with… his 2nd goal this season
Two different styles, but they kept each other in balance for a long time. Antwerp came twice through Janssen, but there was not much threat. Union combined into the box, but was stopped every time. It made it a – excuse us for the description – terrible match. A goal was needed to break the match open.
And it came in that one added minute of the first half. Union got a corner and it fell at the feet of Koki Machida. The Japanese central defender – who has scored once before this season – shot in from close range. Antwerp punished for their defensive attitude.
Antwerp improved on strength in the second half
The hard core of Antwerp decided to provide some spectacle themselves and throw a lot of Bengali fire on the field. Even the firefighters were pelted. When will a limit be put on this?
Antwerp tried to change course in the second half. Quite transparent, by the way, because the plan was simple: give the ball to Alderweireld and the running people had to accept his long balls. Antwerp became the boss because of it.
They forced Union backwards purely on physical strength. But the back five of the Brussels team went into battle and barely gave anything away. Burgess was put aside once, but the ball rolled in front of the empty goal, and a Union player was the first to reach it.
Antwerp developed an impressive power play. If only they had started now… But Union survived. Partly thanks to an impressive Burgess. Union went into a night of celebration. Modest, because there is another important match scheduled for Monday in Bruges.
Tags: Finally price Union wins cup unexpected hero Antwerp started cautiously
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