The champions league challenge for Union Saint-Gilloise
Union Saint-Gilloise is set to commence its European journey this Tuesday in Ostende, facing Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the third qualifying round of the 2026/2027 Champions League.
Fresh off their Belgian Supercup victory against 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, with broadcast details to be confirmed.
Under the guidance of David Hubert, the team aims to secure a second consecutive appearance in the UEFA Champions League. Their challenge begins with the first leg of the third — and penultimate — qualifying round against Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt. The return leg is slated for August 11th in Bodo.
This initial hurdle promises to be a formidable one. Bodo/Glimt made a significant impact in last year’s Champions League, advancing from the league phase before sensationally knocking out Inter Milan in the play-offs. Although they ultimately fell to Sporting CP in the round of sixteen, they notably secured a 3-0 victory in their home leg against the Portuguese giants.
Furthermore, Bodo/Glimt arrives in Ostende with considerable match fitness, as their Norwegian championship season began in March. They currently lead their domestic league, having triumphed in their last five outings.
Union Saint-Gilloise expects a nearly full squad for the encounter. Only recent signing Hervé Koffi, acquired from Lens, will be unavailable for Hubert. The coach described the upcoming fixture as “a great challenge against a strong team” during Monday’s press conference.
Despite the departures of Christian Burgess and Kjell Scherpen, the Brussels-based club displayed a strong performance in the Supercup. Kjetil Knutsen, Bodo/Glimt’s coach, who has thoroughly analyzed Union’s pre-season friendlies, expressed his belief that they are “extremely well prepared.”
Should Union emerge victorious from this two-legged tie, they will face either Greek side Olympiakos or Dutch club NEC Nijmegen in the play-off round. The second leg of that potential match would also be hosted in Ostende. Conversely, a defeat against Bodo/Glimt would see the Brussels club enter the Europa League group stage.
