Halfway through, the Union is in “flop 12” and the impression that it will not make it is growing. In theory, you need ten points to move on to the next round, or even nine, but it only has two. And the rest of the program will see her travel to Twente, receive Braga and Nice and, finally, move to Rangers.
Nothing easy, but perhaps the Saint-Gilloise team will remember its great European evenings of the past to rediscover the flame which was rekindled at the end of the match this Thursday. Because after six games, Sébastien Pocognoli’s team has still not claimed victory once in Europe.
The Union came away frustrated from their match against AS Roma: “We are still growing”
3-4-3, for a change
However, T1 tried something else this time. A 3-4-3 rather than 3-5-2. This pattern had already been used against Ghent (0-0), but it was a little constrained by the absences. This time, the idea was to bring more danger from the sides. If we have actually seen quite a bit of Mac Allister – shifted to the right for the occasion – playing with Khalaili and Ivanovic or Niang showcasing themselves on a cross-shot (39th) or a formidable solo (42nd), this is not was not the best version of the Union.
However, this Roma was clearly takeable. But after a good start, the Yellow and Blue were no longer able to worry Svilar, except at the end of the half on Niang’s cross where the former Mauve reminded Belgium of his talent.
Moris misses himself
Perhaps things would have been different if one of the forwards had had a little more precision in finishing. But all the Union’s ineffectiveness was summed up in one action, in the 58th minute: a pass from Ivanovic, too late, for Khalaili, flagged offside after attempting and missing a golden one-on-one in front of Svilar .
Since this is the thread of the Union season, the match seemed to tip on an individual error. Although decisive a few minutes earlier by touching a shot from Baldanzi to send it to his post (52nd), Moris missed an aerial exit where he was beaten by Mancini’s header (62nd). The Luxembourg goalkeeper may have asked for a foul, but it was not and, five days after his misadventure in Mechelen, this time he cost his team a goal.
Anthony Moris’ error, the chances of qualification, the choice of 3-4-3: Sébastien Pocognoli does not avoid any questions after the division of the Union
One would have thought the Pocognoli team had been knocked out. given the chain of disappointments, but one thing is clear: there is still life and desire in a group which believes in the project proposed by its coach. Mac Allister equalized from a corner kick (77th), the Roi Baudouin stadium woke up and the end of the match was completely Brussels. However, despite three great opportunities, including one saved by Svilar, the Saint-Gillois failed to crucify Roma. Again and again the same offensive problem which will have to be taken care of otherwise it will continue to stand still.
