Even in exile in West Berlin, 1. FC Union Berlin was unable to end its negative series of five defeats in a row. As was the case two weeks ago at Real Madrid, the Köpenickers had to accept a goal in stoppage time that meant a defeat in the Champions League – this time against Sporting Braga, by substitute André Castro, who scored from 20 meters to make the final score 3-2 for Braga met. Union coach Urs Fischer shook his head in disbelief on the bench at the sixth defeat in a row.
The organizers had put a lot of effort into turning the stadium into a piece of home. As was the case two years ago in the Europa League, the Westend became a red light district: the Olympic Stadium’s lighting system bathed the area in the Union club colors. The songs that we know from the Alte Försterei were booming out of the speakers, but a song full of nostalgia by Toni Mahoni that says: “I want to go back/to Köpenick.” Before kick-off, there was a protest against the organizer, the European Football Union Uefa, and their stadium regulations, just opposite the expensive seats. They had made the move to the Olympic Stadium necessary: ”It’s not about the sport, it’s only about the money!” was written on the largest banner.
At the beginning of the game, Union gave the impression that they were more at peace with themselves than with the external circumstances. At least until the scene in the 4th minute, when the ball was in the Portuguese net as a test. Alone: Robin Gosens’ goal, praised by 73,345 people (and acknowledged with horror by 200 Portuguese), was canceled because Sheraldo Becker had been offside in advance. As a result, Becker seemed to be applying for the role of the evening’s tragic hero. Sometimes because he was again in illegal spaces when the Unioners had promising attacks. Sometimes because his deals went wrong. Then he managed to start according to the rules – and score.
After a deep pass from Alex Kral, Becker marched in a more or less straight line towards Braga’s goal, which was guarded by the Brazilian Matheus – and surprised him because he didn’t serve Kevin Behrens, who was running with him, but shot the ball through his legs. The goal awakened the Portuguese’s previously non-existent offensive department. Especially Bruma, one of two former Bundesliga players in Braga’s ranks alongside ex-Schalke player Rodrigo Zalazar. But Fredrick Rönnow was on his guard (34th).
Union coach Fischer is revitalizing his team’s attacking game
Three more minutes later, Becker again found space at the back of Braga’s defense to drive a ball towards the opponent’s goal – this time to drive a long pass from Danilho Doekhi towards the penalty area, which was headed by Lucas Tousart. Becker kept his nerve again – and shot the ball into the net with his left instep to make it 2-0. The euphoria was mixed with unease in the 41st minute. After a corner, Union failed to cover the backcourt in the penalty area, so Braga’s captain Ricardo Horta got a low shot that Rönnow could only high-five. Sikou Niakaté dusted off. Shortly after the break the equalizer came in a similar way. Again the backcourt remained unguarded after a corner, this time it was Bruma who wonderfully shot the ball into the corner to make it 2-2 (51′).
Afterwards, the Portuguese showed even more skill than before – especially in occupying the spaces between the Union lines. Coach Urs Fischer reacted – and ordered Aïssa Laïdouni and Kevin Volland onto the field for Tousart and Behrens.
The effect: A revitalization of the attacking game. In the 70th minute, Volland had a fantastic chance, but was at least as unlucky as Braga’s keeper Matheus. Volland took a difficult cross from Becker at full speed and hit the goalkeeper; He, in turn, had to regret not wearing a jockstrap under his pants. Then Laïdouni set up Becker twice (75th/78th), shortly afterwards Volland fed Brenden Aaronson, who was also a substitute. But he also failed, as did the strong Alex Kral with a long-range shot in stoppage time. But then Castro came through with a shot from behind in stoppage time – and hit the Union team late in the heart.