Union SG’s win over Galatasaray sparks outrage in Belgian press: Headline screams “Silenced 50,000 Turks!”

Galatasaray fell 1-0 at home to Union Saint-Gilloise in Champions League Matchday 5. Arda Ünyay was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The Yellow-Reds, who had won their previous three matches, remain on 9 points. Union SG, who arrived in Istanbul with 3 points, secured their second victory and climbed to 6 points.

Galatasaray will next travel to Monaco, while Union Saint-Gilloise host Marseille. The match, in which Galatasaray lost 1-0 at home to Union SG, dominated headlines in Belgium. Here are the standout headlines and excerpts from the Belgian press:

LEQUIPE: UNION RETURNS FROM ISTANBUL WITH A VICTORY
After a flying start with a crushing 3-1 win over PSV on Matchday 1, Union Saint-Gilloise suffered three straight defeats (4-0 vs Newcastle, 4-0 vs Inter, 3-1 vs Atlético). For the Belgians, regaining form at Galatasaray’s Rams Park on Tuesday night was absolutely vital — and they did exactly that with a narrow 1-0 win.

LESOIR: A BEAUTIFUL VICTORY
Rams Park in Istanbul is a cauldron of relentless noise — chants echoing like war drums, waving orange-and-maroon flags, and flares filling the air with acrid smoke. Union Saint-Gilloise made sure they were not overwhelmed by an atmosphere in which Galatasaray hadn’t lost in any competition since August 2024. Union emerged 1-0 winners, ending the Turkish giants’ 33-match unbeaten home streak with a near-perfect display. This historic result revived Union’s hopes and ranks among the greatest European nights in the club’s history. Promise David’s goal put them back in the race for the top 24.

WALFOOT: ISTANBUL HELL? UNION SHUT IT DOWN
Union Saint-Gilloise claimed a 1-0 victory away to Galatasaray and earned a golden opportunity in the race for the top 24. Just three days after beating Cercle Brugge, Union walked into Galatasaray’s cauldron. As expected, 55,000 Turkish fans created an electric atmosphere — but in the first half, they spent more time booing Union’s attacks than cheering their own.

DHNET: A HISTORIC TRIUMPH
Some matches define a season; others instantly enter a club’s legend. This Champions League victory on Galatasaray’s turf clearly belongs to the second category. One statistic says it all: thanks to Promise David’s goal and a monumental collective effort, the Brussels side ended the Turkish giants’ 33-match unbeaten home run. A historic win that keeps the European dream alive.

FOOTNEWS: UNION PULLS OFF A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SHOCK
Union started strongly and grew into the game. Missing several key players, Galatasaray had a tough night. The Brussels side created several clear chances while Galatasaray also looked dangerous at times.

7SUR7: A COLOSSAL ACHIEVEMENT
After three consecutive defeats, Union returned to winning ways in the Champions League with a victory in Istanbul. Coach David Hubert, proud of his team’s performance, described the win as earned “with courage.” The Turkish fans created a deafening atmosphere, but the Belgian champions stayed calm. “The challenge was to silence them as much as possible,” Hubert smiled. “We didn’t quite manage it — they booed from minute one to ninety — but it gave us extra motivation. Today we were brave, we took our moments, and we did something we hadn’t managed yet in the Champions League: we kept a clean sheet. Outstanding.”

RTL: THEY DID IT
Union pulled off a huge Champions League victory against Galatasaray — a solid performance and a shocking 1-0 result.

RTBF: UNION SG TOPPLES GALATASARAY
One word? Gala. A truly magnificent European night for Union Saint-Gilloise! Galatasaray hadn’t lost at home in 33 matches — that alone shows how extraordinary this achievement is, and in what style! Adem Zorgane was simply exceptional tonight. Several players deserve special mention: Anouar Aït El Hadj was excellent, Raul Florucz played well, and even if Promise David wasn’t the most energetic, he was in the right place to finish off a brilliant move from Florucz and Zorgane. Above all, it was the team effort and cohesion that made life hell for the Turks — we barely saw Gündoğan, Sané, or Icardi. They were completely neutralized. A fantastic collective performance.

HLN: UNION ESCAPES THE WITCHES’ CAULDRON THANKS TO PROMISE
Tuesday night was loud. Incredibly loud — and intense. Around 50,000 Turks turned Istanbul into a 90-minute (booing) concert. Football felt more like religion than ever. A treat for any football fan — though maybe not for the ears. Union handled the conditions perfectly, playing with the bravery and boldness of a team that belonged at this level for years. Union SG emerged from the cauldron thanks to Promise David. Toward the end, the Galatasaray fans fell silent. Nothing is impossible — 90 minutes in Istanbul proved it.

DE MORGEN: UNION SILENCES 50,000 TURKS
Union Saint-Gilloise beat Galatasaray 0-1, with Promise David’s goal shutting down 50,000 Turkish supporters.

HBVL: GREETINGS FROM DAVID
Greetings from David! Union Saint-Gilloise claimed their second Champions League victory in Galatasaray’s hell.