The dream is alive, progress is suddenly very close: Union Berlin has reached the knockout stages of the Europa League for the first time. The Bundesliga leaders defeated Sporting Braga 1-0 (0-0) on Thursday evening and secured a final at leaders Union Saint-Gilloise with their third win in a row.
At the same time, 1. FC Köln also played at 1. FC Slovacko in the Conference League – or rather should play. After changing the original kick-off time twice from 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., the game had started, but was stopped again in the seventh minute when the score was 0-0. Reason: dense fog. Now it should be made up for on Friday at 1 p.m.
Back to the Union: Robin Knoche shot the team of coach Urs Fischer, who started with two defeats, with a hand penalty after video evidence (68th) to the much-needed success. With a win in Brussels on the final day of the game, Union would definitely reach the second round in second place, where the Berliners could also meet FC Barcelona, who have been relegated to the Champions League. Saint-Gilloise has already been confirmed as the group winner.
The Union fan scene underlined the importance of the game with a gigantic choreography that covered almost the entire stadium. She thought back to the “Golden Twenties” with a huge banner, when the club was playing for the Berlin championship and the legendary battle cry “Eisern Union” sounded like “Donnerhall” for the first time.
The Fischer team immediately looked for a way forward. With their well-known virtues of passion, cohesion and will, Union initially pushed the guests to their own penalty area. However, the technically experienced Portuguese were able to elegantly free themselves from the grip, repeatedly bridging the midfield handsomely. The first assault of the Bundesliga ended.
Braga often tried from a distance
There weren’t any great chances for either side at first. Morten Thorsby headed wide from a corner (30′), ten minutes later captain Christopher Trimmel headed over the goal from five yards out. Braga, who won the first leg 1-0, often tried from distance.
Union came stormy out of the cabin. However, the playful solutions were still lacking, and so long balls were the frequently chosen means of overplaying the Portuguese defense. Cheered on by their supporters, who will be absent from Brussels because of the Malmö riots, the actions of the Berliners became more hectic.
After a cross from Janik Haberer, Braga’s Fabiano grabbed the ball. After minutes of communication with the video assistant, referee Craig Pawson watched the scene himself – and awarded a penalty. Knoche, who is said to be in the provisional World Cup squad of national coach Hansi Flick, remained ice cold. Braga responded with angry attacks.