In a stunning UEFA Champions League debut, Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise defeated Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven with a decisive 3-1 win at the Philips Stadion. The victory marks a historic moment for the Brussels-based club, which was founded 128 years ago and is now celebrating its first-ever win in the competition.
PSV, playing at home, made a costly error in the opening minutes. A defensive misstep by American striker Ricardo Pepi led to a penalty, which was calmly converted by Canadian striker Promise David in the 9th minute, scoring the first goal of the 2025/26 Champions League season. PSV’s luck did not improve as winger Ruben van Bommel’s thunderous shot struck the crossbar.
PSV’s woes were compounded when Pepi again lost possession in midfield, allowing Anouar Ait El Hadj to embark on a remarkable solo run that resulted in Union’s second goal just before halftime.
PSV came out with more energy in the second half but continued to struggle in front of goal. Midfielder Ismael Saibari missed a golden opportunity to get his team back in the game, blasting the ball wide from an open goal.
Union Saint-Gilloise sealed the historic win in the 80th minute. Following a corner, a scramble in the box allowed defender Kevin Mac Allister, brother of Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister, to tap the ball into an empty net, securing the 3-0 lead.
PSV managed to get a consolation goal in the 90th minute through Guus Til, but it was a goal merely for the history books. The loss is PSV’s fifth consecutive defeat in a Champions League opener and highlights the flaws they will need to address before their next European match against Bayer Leverkusen.
For Union Saint-Gilloise, the victory is a huge confidence boost as they continue their European campaign with a home game against Newcastle United on October 1st.
