In its history, 1. FC Union Berlin has not yet played on many of the most well-known football stages outside of Germany. And who would doubt that the location of Thursday’s round of 16 first leg in the Europa League, the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, falls into this category. However, anyone who deduced from this fact that the current second in the Bundesliga table would be overcome by scenic fear in the packed home of Ajax Amsterdam was mistaken. The Köpenickers worked out a 0-0 draw, which also raises hopes for the second leg next Thursday because it was more than deserved.
Basically, the Berliners even had enough motives to quarrel about the fact that a possible and no less deserved victory was stolen from them due to a cruel administrative act. Because only because the video referee also used the magnifying glass in the 66th minute did Union’s Morten Thorsby lose a goal, which could have been shown at the Berlinale Film Festival, which opened on Thursday, due to its technical perfection. As a trailer in Cinemascope. Left-back Jérôme Roussillon had crossed into the centre, and in a dogfight with two Dutchmen Thorsby took the ball with his chest and then instinctively shot it into the net from eleven yards. The goal was canceled because the video referee was convinced that Thorsby had touched the ball with his forearm.
Thorsby had previously failed with a spectacular diving header to Ajax goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli. The Argentinian also saved a free-kick from Josip Juranović (56′). Ajax, on the other hand, recently trained by ex-Bundesliga professional Johnny Heitinga? Basically caused a real stir just after half-time when former Leipzig striker Brian Brobbey seemed to set the mood. It burned up like a sparkler.
What previously only the Bundesliga knew about Union is gradually being learned beyond the borders of Germany
Otherwise, Union – once again, for the umpteenth time this season – was able to impose its game on a supposedly overpowering opponent. In the first half in particular, Ajax, who had been relegated to the Champions League, didn’t have the slightest idea how to deal with the Unionern, but things didn’t get much better after the break. Ajax captain Dusan Tadić, who silenced Real Madrid’s Bernabéu stadium a few years ago, rarely showed any signs of life.
The Berliners, on the other hand, had shown their courage from the start of the game and even then had the chance to score. After that, they bribed with their well-known virtues: discipline, concentration, healthy aggressiveness, work ethic, solidarity – and they had an excellent match plan. The Berliners must have rejoiced – and felt in their element. Because what you previously only knew within the Bundesliga, you are gradually learning beyond the borders of Germany. The Unioners like it when they notice how desperate opponents are. Alone: There are still 90 minutes left in Köpenick. At least.