Newcastle United attacker Antonio Cordero got up close and personal with the Magpies’ next Champions League opponents on Saturday.
The Magpies’ summer signing is currently out on loan in Belgium, representing KVC Westerlo for the entirety of the 2025/26 season.
Cordero joined Newcastle from Malaga on a free transfer this summer, and there is a lot of excitement surrounding his potential. However, he has had limited chances to showcase it since arriving on loan in Westerlo.
Cordero is not playing much for KVC Westerlo, having been reduced to just substitute appearances so far. His latest was on Saturday, as his side took on Jupiler Pro League champions Union Saint-Gilloise.
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Antonio Cordero loses against Union Saint-Gilloise as loan troubles continue
Ahead of facing Newcastle United in the Champions League, Union Saint-Gilloise were in league action against KVC Westerlo.
The latter’s starting XI did not include Cordero, who was named as a substitute for the seventh consecutive game.
He did make an appearance off the bench, coming on in the 89th minute. However, it was too late to have any kind of impact. Union Saint-Gilloise were already 2-0 up, and were able to hold on to that lead to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Cordero was unable to land a confidence-sapping blow against his parent club’s upcoming Champions League opponents, as his challenging start to life in Belgium continued.
Union Saint-Gilloise are in fine form ahead of facing Newcastle United
Newcastle United are in poor form ahead of their first Champions League away day of the season. Eddie Howe will hope to turn the tide and build up some momentum on Wednesday night, but that will be much easier said than done.
While the Magpies are struggling, Union Saint-Gilloise are flying.
They are unbeaten in their last 10 games, having won their Champions League opener away to PSV Eindhoven.
USG’s only defeat this season came at the end of July in the Belgian Super Cup, which they lost to Club Brugge. At that time, Newcastle were still out in Asia undergoing pre-season.
Any Toon fan who thinks this Champions League encounter is a guaranteed win is sadly mistaken. Union Saint-Gilloise are a strong side in excellent form, while Newcastle’s task will be a lot harder following Tino Livramento’s injury.
In more positive injury news, Lewis Hall should be fit to return on Wednesday.
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