Union saint-gilloise kicks off champions league campaign

Union Saint-Gilloise is set to kick off its European journey this Tuesday in Ostende, facing Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the third qualifying round of the 2026/2027 Champions League.

The european challenge begins

Just four days after their thrilling Belgian Super Cup triumph over Club Bruges, secured through a penalty shootout, Union Saint-Gilloise will play their inaugural European fixture of the 2026/2027 season. The match is scheduled for Tuesday at 8:00 PM in Ostende and will be broadcast live for fans.

Coach David Hubert’s squad is determined to secure a second consecutive appearance in the prestigious Champions League group stage. Their quest begins with the first leg of the third – and penultimate – qualifying round against Norwegian opponents Bodo/Glimt. The return fixture is slated for August 11th in Bodo.

This upcoming tie presents a significant challenge. Bodo/Glimt proved to be a formidable surprise in last year’s Champions League, successfully navigating the league phase before eliminating Inter Milan in the play-offs. They eventually fell to Sporting CP in the round of sixteen, despite a commanding 3-0 victory in their home leg.

Furthermore, Bodo/Glimt is expected to arrive in Ostende in peak physical condition. Their Norwegian league season commenced in March, and they currently lead the standings, boasting an impressive run of five consecutive victories.

Union Saint-Gilloise will field a nearly full-strength squad for this crucial encounter. Only recent acquisition Hervé Koffi, signed from Lens, will be unavailable for selection. Coach Hubert conveyed his anticipation during Monday’s press conference, describing the match as “a great challenge against a strong team.”

Despite the departures of Christian Burgess and Kjell Scherpen, the Brussels club demonstrated a resolute performance in the Super Cup. Bodo/Glimt’s coach, Kjetil Knutsen, who has closely monitored all of Union’s pre-season friendlies, expressed his belief that his opponents are “very well prepared.”

Should Union emerge victorious from this two-legged confrontation, they will advance to the play-off round. There, they would face either Greek side Olympiakos or Dutch club NEC Nijmegen, with Union hosting the decisive second leg, once again in Ostende. However, a defeat against Bodo/Glimt would see the Brussels club, affectionately known as the ‘club de la Butte’, enter the Europa League group stage.