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By Johnny Edward.
Striker, Victor Boniface is confident Union Saint-Gilloise will reach the semi-finals of the Europa League for the first time in their history, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Union Saint-Gilloise who were competiting in the Belgian second tier two years ago and now enjoying their first European campaign since 1964-65.
Boniface who scored twice against Union Berlin in their last-16 tie, added a sixth Europa League goal of the season (and 14 across all competitions) when he calmly steered a low finish past Lukas Hradecky from the left-hand side of the penalty area six minutes into the second half in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final at the BayArena on Thursday.
But a fine finish from Florian Wirtz rescued Bayer Leverkusen a 1-1 draw at home.
Wirtz struck in the 82nd minute just when it appeared a wasteful Leverkusen performance would make them the latest victims of Union’s sensational fairy-tale story.
Speaking after the encounter, the 22-year-old believes the Les Unionistes will seal a madien semi-final berth in Brussels next Thursday after they extended their unbeaten run away in the competition.
Union Saint-Gilloise are unbeaten away from home in the Europa League this season winning three games and drawing two.
“We knew it would be a difficult match, so we are happy with the draw. We can be proud that we are already there, against a very strong team. But now we are looking forward to the return match in Brussels,” the 22-year-old attacker told Het Nieuwsblad.
The former also earned plaudits from UEFA for his impressive display against the Germans.
“Six goals and two assist in nine Europa League games, Boniface is a goal machine,” UEFA wrote.
Boniface, who has been heavily linked with top European clubs in the wake of his scintillating form, also ruled out any summer move from Union Saint-Gilloise.
“I don’t know anything about any interest, I’m hearing it for the first time now,” he continued.
“I’m not working on it either, I’m focusing on Union.”