Conference League
Union’s European story is over. After the 0-3 defeat last week, the diptych with Fenerbahçe was as good as decided, and a miracle was not possible on Thursday. Union created a lot of chances, but only scored one goal (0-1).
Miracles do exist in football, but unfortunately for Union they are rare. After the 0-3 defeat against Fenerbahçe in Lotto Park last week, the people of Brussels faced an almost impossible task in Istanbul. Especially when you know that Burgess and Amoura were suspended, and that coach Blessin had to play with an unreleased trio at the back due to many injuries: Machida, Vanhoutte and Castro-Montes. In addition, the German coach also rotated heavily, for example Puertas remained on the bench.
But there is still that one thing that has characterized Union for three years: the over-my-body mentality. An early goal, and who knows what could happen next. And that is what Blessin also seemed to have instilled in his boys. There were more than enough chances for that early goal.
Starting with Nilsson: the Swedish striker was able to shoot from close range, but his shot was blocked in extremis. A little later Union was there again, but Rasmussen’s sights were not focused.
Plenty of opportunities
Fenerbahçe did not know what happened in the opening fifteen minutes. It itself created very little in the first half; With the exception of a rightly flagged goal by Osayi-Samuel and a headed chance by Szymanski, there was hardly any Turkish danger to be noted. On the other side it was completely different. Eckert came face to face with the Turkish goalkeeper just after the half hour, but did not shoot precisely enough. Lapoussin also collided with goalkeeper Egribayat, while Nilsson failed to frame the rebound from close range. Union was simply the better team in Istanbul. Only that goal was missing to make me believe in it again.
Rasmussen scores
In any case, it is commendable that they continued to believe in it at Union. The competition leader also looked for holes in the Turkish defense in the second half, but it seemed to be on firmer footing. There was no need for any risks, the organization once again prevailed over the home team. The audience increasingly realized that the quarter-finals were a fact.
About twenty minutes before the end, Rasmussen gave the crowd a scare with a striking header, but Union did not get further than 0-1. Terho’s 0-2 was turned away from the line.
Union leaves the Conference League after a 3-1 defeat in two games, but the people of Brussels can be proud again. What a European campaign it has been again: victories against Liverpool, in Frankfurt and now also in Istanbul against Fenerbahçe. These are not the least of the teams. And now the focus can be fully on the competition and the cup. It won’t be the Conference League, but Union really wants to win trophies this season. And with this attitude, anything is possible.
