Union saint-gilloise kicks off champions league campaign in ostend

Union Saint-Gilloise sets sights on Champions League glory in Ostend

The Union Saint-Gilloise will kick off its 2026/2027 Champions League journey on Tuesday evening at Ostend’s Versluys Arena, facing Norway’s Bodo/Glimt in the third qualifying round. The highly anticipated clash, set for 8:00 PM local time, promises to be a stern test for the Brussels-based side, fresh off their dramatic Belgian Super Cup triumph over Club Bruges.

The match will be broadcast live on RTL Club and streamed via RTL Play, giving fans nationwide the chance to witness the Red and White’s European ambitions unfold. With only the third qualifying round remaining before the group stage, every performance carries immense weight for David Hubert’s squad.

Bodo/Glimt: a formidable early hurdle

Norway’s Bodo/Glimt arrives in Ostend with formidable momentum, having already defied expectations last season by progressing through the Champions League group stage before falling to Sporting CP in the Round of 16. The Norwegian outfit currently leads its domestic league after five consecutive victories, signaling strong form ahead of this crucial tie.

Hubert acknowledged the challenge ahead, calling Tuesday’s fixture “a tough test against a physically robust opponent.” The Belgian coach will field a near-full squad, with only incoming goalkeeper Hervé Koffi ineligible due to transfer regulations.

Path to the group stage or Europa League awaits

Should the Union overcome Bodo/Glimt, they will face either Greece’s Olympiacos or the Netherlands’ NEC Nijmegen in the playoff round, with the second leg set to take place in Ostend. A setback, however, would redirect the club’s European campaign to the Europa League’s group stage, where they would compete against continental rivals.

The Red and White remain optimistic despite the formidable opposition, buoyed by their recent Super Cup victory and Hubert’s tactical preparations. With the stakes higher than ever, Tuesday’s opener marks the beginning of a high-stakes European adventure for Belgian football.