Anan Khalaily Starts for Union Saint-Gilloise in Dramatic 3-3 Draw with Bodo/Glimt in Champions League Qualifier

Anan Khalaily made his first start of the season for Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday evening in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Norway's Bodo/Glimt during the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. The Belgian side was close to securing an advantage ahead of the second leg but conceded a late equalizer. Bodo/Glimt took the lead twice in the first half, with Patrick Berg scoring in the 20th minute and Ola Blomberg converting a penalty in the 29th. Union's Raul Florutz equalized both times, including a goal deep in first-half stoppage time.

Khalaily, who had previously appeared as a substitute in the Belgian Super Cup victory, was active on the right wing and nearly gave his team the lead with a header in the 78th minute, saved by the goalkeeper. Substitute Promise David put Union ahead 3-2 in the 88th minute with a sharp shot that hit the post and went in, sparking celebrations among the home fans. However, Bodo/Glimt's Odin Lorentzen headed in an equalizer in stoppage time (90+1), leaving the tie wide open for the return leg.

Union Saint-Gilloise entered the match on the back of winning the Belgian Super Cup against Club Brugge on penalties and have maintained strong form from last season, with 16 wins, six draws, and only two losses in their last 24 matches across all competitions. The Belgian champions aim to reach the Champions League group stage for the second consecutive year. For Khalaily, this season is crucial after a failed transfer to Inter Milan; he hopes to replicate his previous European campaign performance, where he scored three goals in the Champions League group stage.