Champions League - Union loses against Real - missed out on wintering in Europe
In front of another impressive crowd at the Olympiastadion, 1. FC Union Berlin missed out on a sensation against world club Real Madrid and ended their European Cup adventure. The team from Köpenick lost 2:3 (1:0) to the record champions from Spain on the last matchday of the group stage in the sold-out arena after a great fight.
Only with a win could the Berliners have jumped to third place in Group C, which would have taken the team into the Europa League after the winter break.
In front of 73,420 spectators, Union goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow saved a Luka Modric penalty (45th minute). On the counter-attack, Kevin Volland put Union ahead (45.+1). Former Bundesliga striker Joselu scored twice after the break (61st and 72nd). Alex Kral equalized for Berlin (85') before Dani Ceballos (89') secured victory for the visitors.
The Iron, who only ended a run of 16 games without a win against Mönchengladbach on Saturday, must now hope that the defeat does not put a damper on their Bundesliga relegation battle. Landmark games lie ahead before Christmas: Saturday at Bochum (3.30pm/Sky) and the following Wednesday against Cologne (6.30pm/Sky).
Ancelotti rotates in five positions
The madridistas, with Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger initially on the bench, were already group winners before the game and won all their group games for the first time since 2014.
The Köpenickers also turned their last top flight match into a day of celebration. In the afternoon, more than 20,000 fans came to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei to cheer on the U19s in the Youth League against Real Youth (0:2). More than 70,000 fans also came to the professionals' third home game in the actually unloved Olympiastadion.
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti rotated in a total of five positions. Union coach Nenad Bjelica had to do without the match-winner from the Gladbach game, Benedict Hollerbach, who was not nominated for the Champions League in the summer.
"We will play boldly, we will play cheekily," said Union coach Bjelica before kick-off on DAZN. Kevin Behrens should have given Berlin the lead after just 51 seconds. A ricochet from Modric following Union pressure ended up with the striker, who failed to beat Kepa from close range.
Union tried hard, Real always dangerous in attack
The Iron remained determined and Madrid showed some uncertainties in defense. But whenever Real picked up the pace in attack, it became dangerous. Ex-Dortmund player Jude Bellingham in particular was a constant source of danger between the lines. Rönnow parried a shot from just under five meters by the Englishman (10'). A header from Joselu grazed the crossbar (16').
It seemed a predictable development when Diogo Leite handled the ball in the penalty area shortly before the break. But Modric's weakly struck penalty was saved by Rönnow with his feet. On the counter-attack, David Alaba slipped the ball over his foot when trying to clear. Volland got through and slotted home to huge cheers. The 31-year-old scored for the third game in a row.
Ancelotti introduced Kroos for the second half. The Spaniards became more determined. Rönnow saved a header from Rodrygo with an outstanding reflex save (55'). Shortly afterwards, he could do nothing against Joselu. After Berlin lost possession, Real countered through Modric. Stuttgart-born Joselu was again the scorer with a header before Kral scored with a low shot. But it was not enough to secure the Iron's first win in the top flight.
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- Despite the loss, Nenad Bjelica commended his Union Berlin team for their effort against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
- With Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger on the bench, Real Madrid secured their group stage wins in the Champions League for the first time since 2014.
- The defeat in the Champions League means Union Berlin will need to focus on their Bundesliga relegation battle, with crucial matches against Bochum and Cologne upcoming.
- In the aftermath of their Champions League game against Real Madrid, Union Berlin celebrated wins from their U19 team in the Youth League against Real Madrid's youth team.
- Former Dortmund player Jude Bellingham was a constant threat for Real Madrid, with his pace and skill causing problems for Union Berlin's defense.
- After a tense first half, Union Berlin took the lead through Kevin Volland in the 45th minute of the Champions League game against Real Madrid.
- Alex Kral's equalizer in the 85th minute gave Union Berlin brief hope of salvaging a draw against Real Madrid in the Champions League, but Dani Ceballos' late goal sealed the win for the Spaniards.
- Union Berlin goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow made a number of impressive saves throughout the game, including a penalty kick from Luka Modric in the first half.
- The CDU/CSU, Germany's ruling conservative party, has criticized the German Football Association (DFB) for not doing enough to ensure European Cup football is played in Germany between German clubs.
- Sky Sports have announced that they will be broadcasting Union Berlin's upcoming Bundesliga matches against Bochum and Cologne, giving fans in Germany the opportunity to watch the key games live.
Source: www.stern.de
