Union Saint-Gilloise switch stadium to host Real Sociedad at Den Dreef

Union Saint-Gilloise travel to Lovaina to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League at Den Dreef, after its usual ground, Joseph Marien in Brussels, cannot host UEFA matches due to missing modern requirements like lighting and camera positions.

The move also changes logistics for the fans: Lovaina is around 30 kilometers away, and the road trip can take close to an hour because of traffic. The club’s supporters are not entirely unfamiliar with travelling, having already played European ties in up to four different venues over the past year.

In domestic action, the hosts have kept their home form strong with two wins and two draws from four matches. In Europe, they came from a 3-3 draw against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League qualifying stage. With the definitive Den Dreef outing for this Europa League season, Matarazzo’s side hope to protect their home record despite the change of setting.