Irony as its finest - English history teacher as captain against Newcastle

A history graduate with a focus on World War One, Union Saint-Gilloise captain Christian Burgess understands better than most the significance of Belgian resilience when facing wealthier, better-equipped opponents.

"I specialised in one of the small reasons the war happened - Belgium were basically protected by the UK and, when they were invaded, it was another reason for the UK to go to war," he told BBC Sport.

For a history enthusiast, the region offers endless fascination. Burgess notes that even a simple drive through Belgium reveals "monuments that you constantly drive past which remind you of the First and Second World Wars."

That same determination has defined his football career. Burgess admits he never imagined playing in the Champions League, yet when he faced PSV on 16 September, at 33 years and 344 days old, he became the oldest English outfield player to debut in the competition since Steve Bould for Arsenal in November 1998.

Despite going in as underdogs, both Union Saint-Gilloise and their captain will be ready for their home debut when they host Premier League side Newcastle United tonight.

"When I was a kid, I just remember watching the Champions League. I remember the final in Istanbul, watching Liverpool. I remember Chelsea-Barcelona with Ronaldinho's special goal. They're the sort of memories that stay with you and there is no way I ever thought I would be playing in that competition and for it to happen this late is very surreal," Burgess said. "I thought back to my childhood and thought I can't believe that I could possibly be leading a club out to play in that competition against these teams I used to be in awe of. You have to laugh otherwise you won't quite believe it."

Burgess’ journey has been unconventional. Released by Arsenal as a youth player, he chose to go to university before earning a trial at Championship side Middlesbrough in his second year of study.

He secured a two-year professional contract, but then-manager Tony Mowbray encouraged him to continue his education.

"It was something you couldn't turn down," he recalled of his first professional deal. "So I took it and finished my degree at Teesside University. They allowed me to transfer my first two years."

Burgess had stints in League One with Peterborough and Portsmouth before taking a bold step abroad, moving to Belgium in 2020—a decision that ultimately led him to the Champions League stage.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 2

Tuesday

Atalanta - Club Brugge 2-1 (0-1)

/Samardzic 73 pen, Pasalic 87 - Tzolis 38/

Kairat - Real Madrid 0-5 (0-1)

/Mbappe 25 pen, 52, 74, Camavinga 83, Diaz 90+3/

Atletico Madrid - Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 (3-0)

/Raspadori 4, Le Normand 33, Griezmann 45+1, 68, Alvarez 82 pen - Burkardt 57/

Bodo/Glimt - Tottenham 2-2 (0-0)

/Hauge 53, 66 - Van de Ven 69, Richarlison 89/

Chelsea - Benfica 1-0 (1-0)

/Rios 18 og/

Galatasaray - Liverpool 1-0 (1-0)

/Osimhen 16 pen/

Inter - Slavia Prague 3-0 (2-0)

/Lautaro 30, 65, Dumfries 34/

Olympique Marseille - Ajax 4-0 (3-0)

/Paixao 6, 13, Greenwood 26, Aubameyang 53/

Pafos - Bayern 1-5 (1-4)

/Orsic 45 - Kane 15, 35, Guerreiro 21, Jackson 31, Olise 69/

Wednesday

19.45: (2.70) Qarabag (3.35) Copenhagen (2.60)

19.45: (3.50) St.Gilloise (3.45) Newcastle (2.10)

22.00: (1.20) Arsenal (6.75) Olympiakos (14.0)

22.00: (1.95) Barcelona (3.70) PSG (3.70)

22.00: (1.83) Dortmund (3.50) Ath.Bilbao (4.50)

22.00: (1.87) Leverkusen (3.60) PSV (4.20)

22.00: (6.75) Monaco (4.40) Man.City (1.48)

22.00: (1.90) Napoli (3.50) Sporting (4.10)

22.00: (2.35) Villareal (3.35) Juventus (3.05)

***odds are subject to change***