Union celebrates draw and expects "insane team"
It is already clear that 1. FC Union Berlin will not be continuing in the Champions League. But this fact becomes a minor matter in the premiere of points in the top flight. Everyone is breathing a sigh of relief because the seemingly endless run of bankruptcies has come to an end. At least until Saturday in the Bundesliga.
Urs Fischer took a deep breath. The Union Berlin coach had lifted a hundredweight from his heart. "Finally," said Fischer, "finally we've been rewarded for a great performance. I'm happy for Union, I'm happy for the team." The hard-fought 1:1 (0:1) in the Champions League at Italian champions SSC Napoli had put an end to the seemingly endless run of defeats - and restored the Köpenickers' belief in themselves.
"It was a bit more Union-like again," said captain Christopher Trimmel about the courageous and combative performance. The Berliners had previously lost twelve times in a row. The first three appearances in the top flight also resulted in defeats. The first point therefore no longer prevented the team from dropping out of the group stage. After a draw that felt like a win, it became a minor matter. "I think it's good for everyone," said Trimmel.
Union were already on course for their 13th defeat. The first half in Naples seemed like a blueprint for the negative run of recent weeks. Matteo Politano's goal (39'), a free-kick against the post from Union's Josip Juranovic just before the break - the setbacks continued to pile up. The equalizer after a counter-attack by David Fofana (52') then seemed like a liberating blow. Union kept the game open. In the end, the point was not undeserved.
Europa League is still achievable
"You could see that one fights for the other," said Trimmel. Co-captain Rani Khedira also praised the team. "We were a bit more consistent in defense. We were also very, very consistent going forward," said Khedira.
The point for self-confidence should carry Union to their remaining goals in the Champions League. Third place and qualification for the Europa League are still within reach. "Of course, our goal is to make it through the winter internationally. I know it's difficult. But we're not giving up," said Trimmel. A win in the next game at Sporting Braga on November 29 is almost a must. Fischer already calculated: "The point can still be very important in the final standings."
However, Union are not free of worries. After a tough few weeks, the mood is "not exuberant", said Fischer, despite all the relief. The step in the right direction was only a small one. This path must be confirmed in the core business of the Bundesliga. It will not be easy.
The series of bankruptcies has plunged Berlin into the relegation battle in the Bundesliga. On Sunday (3.30 pm/DAZN and in the ntv.de live ticker), the most difficult task currently awaits nationally at league leaders Bayer Leverkusen. "Of course Leverkusen are a great team at the moment," said Trimmel, "but so are Napoli. That's why we'll go there with more confidence."
Despite Union Berlin not advancing in the Champions League, their draw against Napoli has boosted their confidence for the Soccer Bundesliga. Captain Christopher Trimmel acknowledged, "Our goal is to make it through the winter internationally in the Champions League. I know it's difficult, but we're not giving up." With third place and qualification for the Europa League still achievable, this 'insane team' will aim to secure a win against Sporting Braga on November 29, as Fischer believes the point from the Napoli game could be crucial in the final standings. Despite the relief, Union must focus on their Bundesliga performances, starting with a challenging game against league leaders Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday.
Source: www.ntv.de
