Atlético Madrid maintained their perfect home record in this season’s UEFA Champions League with a 3-1 victory over Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, handing the Belgian side their third consecutive group-stage defeat.

Union started brightly, continuing a streak where the team that scores first in their last 12 matches has gone on to win. Within two minutes, Rob Schoofs fired just wide after some neat build-up play, and Jan Oblak nearly gifted an early goal when he struggled to control a backpass.

The Belgian champions caused Atleti problems with their pace on the break, coming close again in the 17th minute as Kevin Rodríguez failed to connect with Anan Khalaili’s cross. Atlético eventually found their footing midway through the first half, with Julian Alvarez testing goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen from distance, only to see his effort comfortably saved.

Alvarez soon turned provider, whipping in a cross for substitute José María Giménez, who could not direct his header on target. But six minutes before half-time, Atleti broke the deadlock. Pablo Barrios showed his pace down the right flank before pulling the ball back to Alvarez, and the Argentine striker powered it home for his second Champions League goal of the season.

The hosts thought they had doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time when Antoine Griezmann tucked away a rebound, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside in the build-up.

Atleti started the second half on the front foot. Giuliano Simeone chased down a long aerial ball and drilled it across goal, while Matteo Ruggeri had a dangerous effort deflected narrowly over. Alexander Sorloth also saw a penalty appeal turned down as Atleti maintained the pressure.

Union finally tested the hosts just over 20 minutes from time. A free-kick saw the ball flick around in the box before falling to Promise Akinpelu, whose snapshot narrowly missed.

The scare seemed to wake Atlético, as Sorloth’s determined runs led to a second goal 17 minutes from time. After two blocked shots, the rebound fell to Conor Gallagher, who fired into the top corner.

Union pulled one back seven minutes later when Sofiane Boufal’s free-kick was nodded home by Ross Sykes at the back post, keeping the contest alive.

Atlético sealed the victory deep into stoppage time as Marcos Llorente calmly finished one-on-one to make it 3-1, securing all three points.

The win takes Atleti to six points after four games, while Union Saint-Gilloise remain on three, having failed to win since matchday one.