Union Saint-Gilloise emerged from the changing rooms in search of a way back into the game, but despite spending a lot more time in LASK territory, the most that Lawal had to do was punch away a corner ball from inside the six-yard box in the opening stages of the second half. An early triple substitution for the guests confirmed that they were in need of fresh ideas before the hour, and although new man Kevin Rodriguez got on the ball in the box, he had several defenders around him to close down his shot as LASK remained calm and composed at the back. With 20 minutes remaining the home side began pushing for a third goal to kill off the contest, and the 15,400 fans did not have long to wait.

The introduction of Rene Renner after an injury-enforced absence was a welcome boost for Thomas Sageder and his team, and so was the next effort from Žulj once LASK had carved through the USG defence. He lofted the ball over the keeper and onto the crossbar, from whence it came back kindly to his feet, allowing the number 10 to slot in through the defenders with ease for 3-0! The home side were well and truly cruising into the closing stages. Florian Flecker side-footed over the bar in the final minutes, the guests hit a couple of drives well wide of Lawal’s goal, and ultimately, LASK coasted through to full time with the points safely secured long before the final whistle. The Linzers remain at the foot of the Group E table for now, but with three points on the board, the chances of being able to climb up the standings in the final two match days have increased hugely. Deservedly so, after an impressive home performance on the European stage.

The line-ups

LASK: Lawal; Bello (Renner, 74’), Andrade, Ziereis, Stojković (Ljubičić, 75’); Horvath, Talovierov, Ljubić (Jovičić, 87’); Usor (Balić, 83’), Žulj ©, Mustapha (Flecker, 74’)

Subs: Siebenhandl, Jungwirth, Renner, Balić, Jovičić, Havel, Ba, Goiginger, Flecker, Luckeneder

Goals: Horvath, PK (25’), Talovierov (45’+4), Žulj 77’

Yellow cards: Ljubić (19’), Stojković (49’)

ROYAL UNION SG: Moris; Machida, Burgess, Mac Allister, Castro-Montes (Terho, 57’); Lapoussin, Amani, Vanhoutte (Sadiki, 57’); Puertas (Teklab, 75’), Eckert (Rodriguez, 46’), Amoura (Rasmussen, 57’)

Subs: Imbrechts, Wenssens, Rasmussen, Teklab, Rodriguez, Terho, Sykes, Sadiki, Huygevelde, Leysen

Yellow cards: Puertas (70’)

Author: TOB