Union Berlin's redemption follows striker demotion

Ahead of Union Berlin's first home game as coach, Nenad Bjelica takes action and removes striker David Fofana from the squad. Replacement Benedict Hollerbach then scores his first Bundesliga goal - and the Köpenickers end their terrible winless streak.

Nenad Bjelica raced into the arms of his players at full sprint - and stormed into the hearts of the fans without further ado. The new Union Berlin coach jumped up and down amidst the jubilant crowd of players and celebrated his iron redemption in the witches' cauldron that is the Alte Försterei. "This is pure Nenad Bjelica," said Bjelica about the exuberant moment after he had freed Union from their winless curse in his first appearance as head coach in the Bundesliga: "Anyone who didn't know me knows me now. I am full of emotion."

"FCU is back" echoed from the stands, while co-captain Rani Khedira spoke with relief of the end of a "long period of suffering". Bjelica was simply proud: "This team has a big heart." The well-deserved 3:1 (1:0) against Borussia Mönchengladbach, the first success after 16 games without a win, was a great relief for the Köpenickers.

"The team did a great job in all areas. They absolutely deserved to win," said Bjelica, who has taken on a difficult legacy as the successor to club icon Urs Fischer: "I'm happy for the whole club. We can celebrate a little today." The Croatian has not yet had much time with his new team. However, the approaches he has been working on in training have had an effect. The tactical switch to a back four brought back the long-missed defensive stability. Commitment and will were evident, and even scoring goals worked again.

Khedira is already counting: "Three games unbeaten"

"We played Union soccer from A to Z," said Khedira: "We were very consistent, very active, very passionate, very solid - everything that actually characterized us when we were successful." Bjelica's personnel measures also paid off. Attacker David Fofana was dropped from the squad without further ado due to an apparent lack of attitude. Benedict Hollerbach was given his chance instead - and became a hero from the second row.

The new signing had only played a minor role under his predecessor Fischer, but the attacking player came up trumps on Saturday. Hollerbach impressed with good dribbling and scored the goal to make it 2:0 (50') after Kevin Volland (24', penalty) had taken the lead. "It's a huge relief. A lot has built up," said Hollerbach, who was ultimately able to celebrate Mikkel Kaufmann's goal (75'). Alassane Plea (77') was only able to cosmeticize the result for the weak Gladbach team.

Hollerbach will be absent on Tuesday when Union host Real Madrid in their final Champions League home game at the Olympiastadtion (9pm/DAZN and live ticker at ntv.de). The 22-year-old is not in Union's squad for the Premier League. Hollerbach is struggling with this, but will no doubt support his team. After the end of the horror series, Union have already started their next run. "We're now three games unbeaten," said co-captain Rani Khedira - and smiled.