Teddy Teuma converted a second-half penalty to propel Union to a 3-0 victory over KV Oostende in their first league game since the 2022 World Cup break.
The Malta international captained his side in this home game which handed Union three points that puts them seven points behind leaders Genk, albeit having played an extra game.
Simon Adingra and Dante Vanzeir, assisted by Teuma, scored Union’s other two goals which wrapped up the three-goal win.
The 29-year-old midfielder has now scored nine goals and assisted on 11 in 30 games in all competitions this season.
Teuma was also booked and will miss Union’s next league game to serve a one-match ban, against Anderlecht.
