Gallagher Shines as Atletico See Off Union Saint-Gilloise

International football

07/06/1906

Atletico Back on Track After Dominant Win

Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways in the Champions League with a composed 3-1 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise at the Metropolitano Stadium. Goals from Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher, and Marcos Llorente sealed the points for Diego Simeone’s side after a solid all-round performance.
It was a much-needed response following their 4-0 loss to Arsenal last time out in Europe. The result lifts Atletico to 14th in the overall league phase standings, while Union drop to 26th after suffering their third defeat in four games.

Alvarez Opens the Scoring

Union started brightly and nearly took a surprise lead when Kevin Rodríguez poked an early effort just wide of Jan Oblak’s far post. Atletico soon found their rhythm, pressing high and controlling possession through Koke and Pablo Barrios.
The breakthrough came in the 39th minute. Giuliano Simeone raced down the right flank and delivered a low cross that found Julian Alvarez inside the box. The Argentine made no mistake, slotting through goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen’s legs to give Atletico a deserved lead.
Antoine Griezmann thought he had doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time when he tapped in a rebound, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside. Despite that setback, Atletico went into the break firmly in control.

Gallagher’s Impact Off the Bench

Diego Simeone turned to his bench early in the second half, introducing Conor Gallagher, Thiago Almada, and Alexander Sorloth in the 62nd minute to inject more energy into midfield. The move paid off just 10 minutes later.
Alexander Sørloth burst down the right wing and forced two quick saves from Scherpen before the loose ball fell kindly to Gallagher. The England international reacted quickest, smashing the rebound into the top corner to make it 2-0.
It was Gallagher’s first Champions League goal for Atletico since joining from Chelsea in 2024, and his celebration showed just how much it meant. The home crowd responded with a roar as the midfielder ran to embrace Simeone on the touchline.

Late Drama and Standout Performances

Union Saint-Gilloise refused to give up and pulled one back through Ross Sykes in the 82nd minute. The defender rose highest at the back post to nod in Sofiane Boufal’s teasing cross, giving the Belgian side hope of a late comeback.
However, Atletico’s response was emphatic. In the sixth minute of added time, Marcos Llorente fired home from the edge of the box to restore the two-goal cushion and wrap up a well-deserved 3-1 win.
Alvarez’s clinical finishing, Gallagher’s impact off the bench, and Oblak’s composure under pressure stood out for the hosts. Simeone’s men showed balance and resilience after recent criticism, with their counterattacks particularly sharp.

What’s Next

Atletico Madrid host Inter on Wednesday, November 26th, as they aim to strengthen their push for a top-eight finish in the league phase. For now, Simione’s men will turn their focus on the upcoming game against Levante in La Liga this weekend. Union Saint-Gilloise, meanwhile, travel to Galatasaray on November 25th, hoping to keep their slim qualification hopes alive. For now, they face KV Mechelen next in the Belgium Pro League.

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