The double dream is alive: RB Leipzig fights its way into the cup final

Updated on 4/20/2022 10:51 p.m

• RB Leipzig follows SC Freiburg to the cup final.
• The host turns the game against Union Berlin.
• Match winner was substitute Forsberg.

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After a tough fight, RB Leipzig’s double hunters made it into the DFB Cup final for the third time and have a rendezvous with history in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. Despite being behind, the clear favorite defeated a passionate Union Berlin 2-1 (0-1) in the semifinals. On May 21st, in the Final against SC Freiburg the first title in the club’s young history.

Andre Silva (61./foulelfmeter after video evidence) and substitute Emil Forsberg (90.+2) shot the Bundesliga runners-up to the capital after Sheraldo Becker had given the underdog (25.) the lead in the first round. By entering the third final after 2019 and 2021, RB also kept the chance of the title double. In addition to the cup, the Saxons can also nor win the Europa Leaguewhere they have to eliminate Glasgow Rangers in the semi-finals (28 April/5 May) en route to the Seville final (18 May).

Union’s last title was in 1968

For Union Berlin, however, the dream of triumphing in the cup in the stadium of city rivals Hertha BSC has burst. 21 years after the then third division team lost 2-0 to Schalke 04 in the final, Union could have made it back into the final. Thus, the only title of the Köpenickers still dates back to 1968, when they won the FDGB Cup in the final against Carl Zeiss Jena in the GDR.

“We need an optimal game to cause a surprise,” Fischer said before the game. But he had to wait for chances at the beginning of an intense encounter with many duels. As expected, Union let the Leipzigers start often, with the hosts having difficulty getting through the ranks. The guests also found it difficult to build up the game.

No wonder the visitors’ first opportunity followed a corner kick. Grischa Prömel (14th) failed after a cross from Christopher Trimmel with a deflected shot first by RB goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and then by the side netting. Immediately afterwards, the 6,700 Union fans began loudly cheering for their team after being silent for the first 15 minutes in protest at RB.

Forsberg makes the decision

Leipzig had problems with the powerful Köpenickers, who were particularly toxic in one-on-ones. And they became bolder offensively: after Taiwo Awoniyi had put the ball down, Trimmel circled the ball from the right onto the second post, where Becker shot it coldly into the far corner. RB only became really dangerous towards the end of the first half. After a strong combination over several stations, Silva (37th) aimed just a few meters to the right of the goal.

After the break, Leipzig put pressure on, but the attacks were not really compelling at first. Rather, Union missed the second goal because Awoniyi (57th) slipped past the ball after a pass from Becker. RB only came back into play when Unions Paul Jaeckel took Christopher Nkunku off his feet in the penalty area and referee Felix Brych pointed to the point after viewing the video images – Silva converted safely. Leipzig then pushed for the decision and was rewarded late by Forsberg’s header. (mss/SID)