Zulte Waregem vs Union St. Gilloise Match Recap - Nov 1, 2025

In a match that showcased the gulf in class between the teams at the top and the mid-table, Union St. Gilloise dominated Zulte Waregem 4-1 at the Elindus Arena on November 1, 2025. This result has further solidified Union's grip on the Jupiler Pro League, extending their lead at the top of the standings to 29 points, while Zulte Waregem remains in 6th place with 18 points.

The match began with both teams showing their intent, but it was Union who struck first in the 38th minute. Kevin Rodriguez, consistently impressive this season, found the back of the net to give his side a crucial lead. This goal was a turning point, energizing Union and deflating Zulte, who had hoped to build momentum off their previous results.

Just as it seemed Zulte might regroup before halftime, Marc Giger struck again for Union, scoring in the second minute of stoppage time. His goal, coming from a well-placed shot, was a blow that left Zulte's players and fans reeling. The first half ended with Union leading 2-0, a result that ballooned Zulte's worries.

Giger was not done yet. Only one minute into the second half, he struck again, extending the lead to 3-0. It was a quick succession of goals that left Zulte Waregem little time to reflect on their defense, which had been shaky throughout the match. The home side's hopes of a comeback seemed to dim with every passing moment, particularly as Union displayed seamless coordination and confidence.

Zulte did manage to find a glimmer of hope in the 60th minute when Jeppe Erenbjerg earned and converted a penalty kick, putting them on the board. The goal momentarily sparked a sense of urgency, as Zulte pressed forward in search of more. However, the momentum was short-lived and Union quickly regained control of the game.

In the dying minutes of the match, Promise David added insult to injury for Zulte, scoring Union's fourth goal in the 90+3rd minute. It was a fitting end to a dominant performance from Union, who displayed their attacking prowess while Zulte struggled to keep pace.

Analyzing the broader context, Zulte Waregem's recent form had sparked optimism, especially after their impressive 4-1 victory against Gent just days prior. However, today's defeat serves as a reminder of the challenges they face in their quest for European football. Their inability to contain a potent Union attack is concerning, especially considering Zulte has only one win in their last five league outings.

On the other hand, Union St. Gilloise continues to assert their position as the team to beat this season. After a disappointing defeat in the UEFA Champions League that some feared might hinder their league performance, today's match showcased their resilience and ability to bounce back. With nine wins in their twelve matches, they are firmly positioned to challenge for the title.

As both teams head into their next fixtures, the stakes remain high. Zulte Waregem will travel to Dender on November 7, hoping to recalibrate and reclaim some momentum, while Union St. Gilloise will face KV Mechelen on November 9, looking to extend their winning streak. For Zulte, the need for a strong response is critical, while Union must maintain their focus as they seek to keep their lead intact in the league.

In reflecting on the pre-match expectations, I had anticipated a closely contested battle, perhaps favoring Zulte due to their recent form. Clearly, I was mistaken. Today's match was not just a defeat for Zulte, but a statement from Union that they are not only the league leaders but also a formidable contender for the championship.