Union hope for energy boost from 1:1 in Naples
Captain Christopher Trimmel said with a broad grin what everyone at Union Berlin was probably thinking. "Yes, a lot" the end of the losing streak could do to the team: "The longer such a negative streak lasts, the more self-confidence dwindles a little. You could already see and feel that."
However, they had spoken to each other a lot and tried to push each other off the pitch. In Wednesday evening's 1:1 (0:1) away against Italian soccer champions SSC Napoli - the first Champions League point in the club's history - you could sense that this was back. "And that can, hopefully of course, give us energy for the next few weeks," Trimmel emphasized on the streaming service DAZN. After going behind through Matteo Politano in the 39th minute, David Fofana equalized in the 52nd minute. Coach Urs Fischer's team then defended the draw.
It was the first goal in around a month and the first point since the end of August. That's how long it's been since the Union side last lost. Back then, the Iron had won 4:1 against promoted SV Darmstadt 98 in the Bundesliga. However, the Berliners are now 16th in the table, one place behind the Hessians. Union only managed six points from two wins in the first two games in the league. Union are also already out of the DFB Cup, and although the knockout phase of the Champions League is no longer possible in Berlin's debut season, with luck they will still reach the Europa League.
How much the draw and the manner of it will ultimately be worth will soon become clear. This Sunday, Union have to face Bayer Leverkusen, who are top of the table in the German championship. "I know soccer well enough. We have to work very hard now," emphasized Trimmel with a view to the possible turning point in the season as a result of the draw at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The 1st FC Union Berlin's draw against SSC Napoli in the Champions League, a game where they managed to score their first goal in over a month, could potentially boost their confidence heading into their match against Bayer Leverkusen. If they can maintain this newfound energy, they might have a chance to turn their season around. Despite the Italian soccer champions taking the lead, Union managed to equalize and defend their point, showcasing their resilience.
Source: www.dpa.com
