Union Saint-Gilloise is set to commence its European quest on Tuesday, facing Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt in Ostende. This pivotal clash marks the third qualifying round of the 2026/2027 UEFA Champions League.
Fresh off their Belgian Supercup triumph over Club Bruges, secured through a penalty shootout, Union Saint-Gilloise will play their inaugural European fixture of the 2026/2027 season at 8:00 PM on Tuesday in Ostende. Fans can catch all the action live on RTL club and RTL play.
Under the guidance of David Hubert, the team will strive to secure a consecutive appearance in the prestigious Champions League. Their challenge begins with the first leg of this penultimate qualifying stage against Bodo/Glimt, a formidable Norwegian side. The decisive return match is scheduled for August 11 in Bodo.
Overcoming this obstacle will be no simple task. Bodo/Glimt made a significant impact in last year’s Champions League, advancing past the league phase. They notably eliminated Inter Milan in the playoffs before their journey concluded in the round of sixteen, despite an impressive 3-0 victory in their first leg against Sporting CP.
Furthermore, Bodo/Glimt is expected to arrive in Ostende in peak physical condition. Their Norwegian championship season began in March, and they currently sit atop the league standings, boasting a perfect record from their last five matches.
USG’s squad is largely complete for this crucial encounter. Only Hervé Koffi, a recent acquisition from Lens, will be unavailable for selection by Coach Hubert, who described the match as “a significant test against a strong opponent” during Monday’s press conference.
Despite the departures of Christian Burgess and Kjell Scherpen, the Brussels-based club demonstrated serious intent and strong performance in the Supercup. Bodo/Glimt’s coach, Kjetil Knutsen, who meticulously reviewed all of USG’s friendly matches, expressed confidence that his team is “extremely well-prepared.”
Should Union Saint-Gilloise emerge victorious from this two-legged tie, they will advance to face either Greece’s Olympiakos or the Netherlands’ NEC Nimègue in the playoff round, with the return leg once again held in Ostende. However, a defeat against Bodo/Glimt would see the club from the Butte enter the league phase of the Europa League.
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