By SCM Sports Writer I Wednesday, Nov.05, 2025
MADRID, Spain – Atlético Madrid dug deep into their reserves of drama last night, eventually seeing off Belgian upstarts Union Saint-Gilloise with a nervy 3-1 victory that wasn’t sealed until a crucial stoppage-time strike.
Diego Simeone’s men needed a big result at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano after their recent Champions League hammering by Arsenal, and they ultimately got it—but not without a serious scare from the plucky visitors.
The hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when star man Julián Álvarez pounced, volleying home from close range after Giuliano Simeone’s powerful run and cutback shredded the Union SG defence.
But the real talking point for the Chelsea faithful watching back home came midway through the second half. On-loan midfielder Conor Gallagher replaced Koke and quickly got in on the action.
The English ace, off the bench, rifled a fantastic strike into the top corner in the 72nd minute, bagging his first goal in the competition and seemingly putting the tie to bed.
Not so fast! Union SG showed why they’re making noise in the UCL, pulling one back to set up a tense finish. Former Accrington defender Ross Sykes rose like a salmon at the back post to head home Sofiane Boufal’s dangerous free-kick on 81 minutes, instantly turning a comfortable night into a panic-stricken scramble for the Spanish giants.
The clock ticked past 90, with Simeone barking furiously on the touchline, before Marcos Llorente delivered the knockout blow in the fifth minute of injury time. He hammered a loose ball home inside the box, securing the vital 3-1 win and breathing a massive sigh of relief into the Madrid air.
The crucial three points move Atlético firmly back into the qualification battle, while Union SG remain rooted outside the advancing spots despite a spirited showing that proves they’re no pushovers.
