Second late CL defeat
On the pitch, the disappointed professionals of 1. FC Union Berlin looked helplessly into the Berlin night sky. In the stands, over 73,000 Köpenick fans celebrated their team like winners for minutes. The fact that the “Irons” had recently lost their second Champions League game at the last second in a 2:3 (2:1) draw against SC Braga could not even be guessed at this sight. But the numbers speak for themselves. Two defeats in the premier class, twice more would have been possible: bottom of the table in Group C with zero points.
“The worm is in there. “It just doesn’t want to happen,” said midfielder Janik Haberer as he shuffled through the interview zone in flip-flops. The 29-year-old had no real explanation for his sixth defeat in a row. “Sure, exploiting chances is somehow an issue,” said Haberer hesitantly, referring to the numerous scoring opportunities in the final phase. Even after the 2-0 lead, the Köpenick team could still have improved. Instead, they had to accept the equalizer and later the defeat. “We are currently conceding goals from every shot on goal. “It gets to you,” the midfielder admitted.
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Everything had started so well. Sheraldo Becker (30th/37th minute) scored Berlin’s celebrated debut goal in the premier class. Sikou Niakaté (41st), Bruma (51st) and Castro (90th +4) turned the game around. “I count three 100% opportunities to take the lead again. And with the three goals we conceded, we simply didn’t defend well,” said Union coach Urs Fischer. In order to offer as many “iron players” as possible a ticket, the capital club moved to the venue of local rivals Hertha BSC.
Arriving at the arena, fans saw a brave start from their team. There was no sign of uncertainty after five previous defeats – until Braga scored out of nowhere. The self-confidence from the opening phase was gone and the game tipped over. The second goal conceded at the very last second in the premier class sealed the defeat and turned the initial euphoria about Union’s first participation in the Champions League into disappointment.
“That was a very bitter defeat. “You wonder how much you can take,” said the visibly depressed fisherman. Two weeks ago, in the 0-1 defeat at Real Madrid, the decisive goal only came with the last action of the game. “It’s important to get up even after this blow,” emphasized the Union coach.
The 57-year-old Swiss not only has to lift up his team because of the two defeats in the premier class, but also a team that has now lost a total of six times in a row. Against the Portuguese, Fischer was even happy with the team’s performance, he just missed the right attack in defense.
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“Shortly before the break a standard, shortly after the break a standard. We didn’t defend well when we conceded goals. That’s not enough at this level,” explained Fischer, who missed the assignment of his players: “It’s a task to fulfill.” But the offensive players around double packer Becker also had to put up with criticism from the coach: “We have numerous options, to score more than two goals.” Even before the first goals, Union had a few chances and also after the 2-2 equalizer. “And at the end you sit there and ask yourself: Why?”
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In addition to the sporting errors in the games, one reason is also the loss of the injured leading players Robin Knoche and Rani Khedira. Even the experienced newcomers Robin Gosens and Leonardo Bonucci cannot make up for their absence because they don’t yet know the procedures exactly and Fischer doesn’t come to practice. “We don’t have time to train at the moment,” said the Union coach, also with a view to the game at Borussia Dortmund next Saturday (3:30 p.m.). That’s where the next blow threatens, after which Union has to get up again. However, BVB is still challenged this Wednesday against AC Milan (9 p.m./in the TM live ticker).
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