Union Berlin dreams of the Champions League – for Eintracht Frankfurt another adventure in the premier class is less likely.
he fortress Alte Försterei stands impregnable – and it may even become a bulwark in the Champions League. Union Berlin has not lost 18 league games across the seasons in its small, cramped, noisy stadium, the surprise team of the Bundesliga actually dreams of the premier class. The 2-0 (0-0) win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 25 was further evidence of an amazing maturing process.
“Our love, our team, our pride,” the fans in Köpenick chanted incessantly after the final whistle, the team of the successful coach Urs Fischer let themselves be celebrated and clapped to the beat. Only on Thursday were the Unioners eliminated in the Europa League round of 16 at the Belgian representative Union Saint-Gilloise, 72 hours later that was long forgotten.
“They punished our mistakes and showed once again how to win without creating a chance to score,” added Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner DAZN slightly acidic acknowledge. Union goalscorer Rani Khedira spoke of “huge” joy: “We really wanted to rehabilitate ourselves.”
Khedira (53rd) and Kevin Behrens (75th) scored for the Berliners, they were small stabs in the heart of Eintracht, which would like to try again after the end of their adventure in the Champions League. Frankfurt remains in sixth place in the table for the time being. “We need a sense of achievement,” said Djibril Sow, “we all have to work hard for that.”
Both Union and Frankfurt, who meet again on April 4 in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup, tried to put pressure on from the start. Union defender Danilho Doekhi (4th) blocked a shot from Rafael Borre from close range, but the Berliners were initially unable to get through either.
Union Berlin better after the break
The guests got more and more out of the game, but kept getting stuck in the opposing ranks. On the other side, Janik Haberer tried from afar but missed the ball (21′). Eintracht always pushed towards the goal, but could not take advantage of the chances.
After things got hectic in the penalty area, Daichi Kamada failed from close range at Union keeper Frederik Rönnow (34′), Randal Kolo Muani headed over the goal a little later (39′). Union rarely came dangerously into the penalty area, another attempt by Haberer parried Kevin Trapp (40th). After the break Union was more active. Khedira gave the hosts the lead after a corner, and then the Berliners pushed for the next goal. Behrens increased.
Union Berlin – Eintracht Frankfurt: The voices
Urs Fischer (Coach Union Berlin): “We started well and had access for the first few minutes. Then we lost the thread a bit and made a few tactical adjustments. I think the organization was clear again. I do think that we have this face, what we think of ourselves also demanded, saw. Maybe a lucky win too, but I do think the team put a lot into it.”
Oliver Glasner (Eintracht Frankfurt coach): “Had ifs and buts. I’m cautious because anything I say today can and will be used against me. And that’s why it’s better to keep my mouth shut today.”
Union Berlin – Eintracht Frankfurt: The data for the game
