The Europa Conference League second leg presents a daunting task for Union Saint-Gilloise. Down 3-0 to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, the Belgian league leaders face an uphill battle to progress.
Fenerbahçe dominated the first leg, handing Union a rare defeat and putting their grip on the Belgian Pro League at risk. With Anderlecht closing the gap for second place and a Belgian Cup final looming, pressure for Union in the second leg is minimal.
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Considering their narrow lead over Anderlecht (currently six points), Union might prioritize the domestic league. A tough league fixture against Antwerp awaits before the title playoffs begin.
However, Union’s fighting spirit is undeniable, they may still attempt to snatch a win in Istanbul.
Overturning a three-goal deficit against a strong Fenerbahçe side remains a formidable challenge, even for a team known for their tenacity. Their recent 1-1 draw with Gent at home highlights the potential struggles ahead.
Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe head into the second leg on a high after a convincing 4-1 home victory against Pendikspor.
Despite needing a late surge to secure the win, they remain firmly in the Turkish title race, sitting second just two points behind Galatasaray. Notably, their only league loss this season came against Trabzonspor at home.
This clash promises an intriguing encounter. While Union might prioritize domestic concerns, their fighting spirit shouldn’t be underestimated.
However, Fenerbahçe’s dominant form and strong home record make them heavy favorites to advance to the next round.