OUR POINTS. Defender is a great standout for cup winner Union, too much mediocrity for Antwerp

Anthony Morris 6

Didn’t have to make a single save for an entire match.

Koki Machida 8

The man who had to take care of the construction from the back. Did that well. Often set up an attack with Lapoussin on the edge of Antwerp’s sixteen. Taped in the 1-0 from a corner. There is a good chance that Union will seriously cash in this summer with the sale of the Japanese.

Christian Burgess 7

Doubtful beforehand due to a foot injury, but was prepared for this final by the medical staff. Stood in an authoritarian defense for 90 minutes. Once he was too nonchalant with Ekkelenkamp at his back, but it had been a long time since we saw the Brit play such a good match.

Kevin MacAllister 6

Had little work to do at the back, but remained focused. Always reliable. Couple of strong interventions.

Loïc Lapoussin 7

Exudes so much calm on the ball and also did his job defensively against Antwerp. Wasn’t always in the starting line-up this season, but showed once again in this final that he is packed with talent. Gave the perfect cross for the 2-0, but Nilsson just couldn’t finish.

Charles Vanhoutte 6

Always maintains an overview, both with and without the ball. Lots of good interceptions as usual. Showed himself to be a reliable leader on the field at Union.

Cameron Puertas 7

The hungriest of them all between the lines at the King Baudouin Stadium. Kept the pace going at Union. For once not decisive, but his fighting spirit and running ability are indispensable in this team. Also in this final.

Mathias Rasmussen 7

Made a somewhat surprising appearance at the kick-off, but it turned out to be the right choice by trainer Alexander Blessin. Almost all his ball keys were in one time and arrived. Saved a desperately needed ball off the line in the second half.

Alessio Castro Montes 6

Performed his duties conscientiously. Helped to keep substitute Ejuke in check in the second half. Little was achieved offensively, partly because most of Union’s attacks went over the other flank.

Gustaf Nilsson 6

Was in the game well from minute one. Won almost all his duels and was threatening. He headed the corner well, making it 1-0. Aimed the 2-0 just over, but was at a high level in this final, just like the rest of Union.

Mohamed Amoura 6

Couldn’t score on his birthday and didn’t have his best day. He continued to threaten with his speed, but wanted to force it too much too often.

Kevin Rodriguez –

Came in too late for a review.

Ross Sykes –

Came in too late for a review.

Noah Sadiki –

Came in too late for a review.

Senne Lammens 6

Had no work until he was beaten from close range without a chance. Prevented the 2-0, but his good cup campaign was not rewarded.

Ritchie De Laet (73′) 6

Headed over Balikwisha’s free kick. Was up against a strong Lapoussin, but it’s not like he gave away much.

Toby Alderweireld 7

Was able to defend very sharply (this time on the right centre). In the end attacker, but could not get further than a volley.

Zeno Van den Bosch 5

Lost two headers in a row against Nilsson just before half time, allowing Union to score. Almost gave the 2-0 to Amoura.

Owen Wijndal 5

Did the whole flank, had a good cross for Janssen. Was also alert at the back, until the 1-0, where he lost Machida.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha 7

Surprising on the right, but hurt Union with his speed. Even after the break, but another cup final goal was not possible.

Eliot Matazo (73′) 6

He held his own well, although he quickly took a yellow card. Came high after the break and faded a bit, then was substituted.

Mandela Keita 6

His shot just flew over the crossbar. Sloppy at times, but still achieved a reasonable level in the eyes of the national coach.

Jürgen Ekkelenkamp (86′) 6

Out of nowhere he shot the post. Was useful in the field game. Claimed a penalty but there was comedy there too.

Gyrano Church (73′) 6

He was allowed to appear as a striker and even though he had mixed success, he did not disappoint. If there was danger, he was there.

Vincent Janssen 5

There was no lack of commitment, but it was not easy. Took a few swipes, but was always just blocked.

Substitutes

Jelle Bataille (73′) 6

It was immediately seriously tested by the sharp Lapoussin. Tried it a few times, with no results.

Alhassan Yusuf (73′) 6

Had to ensure control during the final offensive and did his job, he could hardly be blamed.

Chidera Ejuke (73′) 5

His first three actions went wrong, perhaps he wanted to force it too much. His free kick flew wide.

Soumaïla Coulibaly (86′) –

Came in so Alderweireld could play higher. Like Ilenikhena, I joined too late for a review.

George Ilenikhena (86′) –

The 17-year-old sniper was given another chance for about ten minutes, but he couldn’t force anything anymore.