Union Saint-Gilloise embarks on its highly anticipated European campaign this Tuesday in Ostend, facing Norway’s Bodo/Glimt in the third preliminary round of the 2026/2027 Champions League.
Just four days after securing the Belgian Supercup title against Club Bruges in a thrilling penalty shootout, Union Saint-Gilloise is set to play its inaugural European fixture of the 2026/2027 season. The crucial encounter kicks off on Tuesday at 8:00 PM in Ostend and will be broadcast live on RTL club and RTL play.
Under the guidance of coach David Hubert, the team aims to secure a second consecutive appearance in the prestigious Champions League group stage. Their challenge begins with the first leg of this third preliminary round against Bodo/Glimt from Norway. The decisive return leg is scheduled for August 11 in Bodo.
However, this will be no easy challenge. Bodo/Glimt proved to be a formidable opponent in last year’s Champions League, notably progressing from the league phase. They then eliminated Inter Milan in the playoffs before eventually falling to Sporting CP in the round of 16, despite a commanding 3-0 victory in their home leg against the Portuguese giants.
Adding to the difficulty, Bodo/Glimt arrives in Ostend in peak match fitness. Their Norwegian championship season commenced in March, and they currently sit atop their domestic league, boasting an impressive run of five consecutive victories.
USG will field a nearly full-strength squad for the fixture. Only recent signing Hervé Koffi, acquired from Lens, will be unavailable for coach Hubert. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Hubert described the upcoming match as “a beautiful challenge against a solid team.”
Despite the departures of key players Christian Burgess and Kjell Scherpen, the Brussels-based club demonstrated serious intent during their Supercup triumph. Bodo/Glimt’s coach, Kjetil Knutsen, who meticulously observed all of Union’s pre-season friendlies, concluded that his Belgian counterparts are “very well prepared.”
Should Union emerge victorious from this two-legged tie, they will advance to the playoff round, where they would face either Greek side Olympiakos or Dutch club NEC Nijmegen. The return leg of that potential playoff would also be hosted in Ostend. However, a defeat against Bodo/Glimt would see the club from the Butte enter the Europa League group stage.
