Soccer - Union loses against Real: Missing 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 Tuesday 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 moved up to third place in Group C, which would have taken them 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).
The Madrilenians, 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 in the striker's path, but he failed to beat Kepa from close range.
The Iron remained determined and Madrid showed some uncertainty 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 first victory for the Iron in the top flight.
Tables and matches Union at X Real at X Union Berlin website Real Madrid website
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- Nenad Bjelica, the Union coach, expressed confidence before the match, stating, "We will play boldly, we will play cheekily."
- Despite the loss, the 1. FC Union Berlin managed to attract a record crowd of 73,420 spectators at the Olympic Stadium, turning the last top flight match into a day of celebration.
- Toni Kroos, a significant player for Real Madrid, was initially on the bench, but he entered the game in the second half, contributing to Madrid's victory.
- Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, rotated five positions in the team, but Union coach Bjelica had to do without Benedict Hollerbach for the Champions League, who was not nominated in the summer.
- Kevin Volland, a former Bundesliga striker, scored the first goal for Union after a counter-attack, giving them a momentary lead, but Real Madrid managed to come back with two goals from Joselu.
- Alex Kral, a key player for Union, equalized for Berlin late in the game, but Dani Ceballos secured the victory for Real Madrid with a late goal.
- The defeat for Union puts a damper on their relegation battle in the Bundesliga, but they still have important matches ahead, including one against Bochum and another against Cologne.
- Real Madrid, with a win against Union, ensured they won all their group games for the first time since 2014, securing their position as group winners in the Champions League.
- CDU/CSU, a major German political party, was mentioned in a related article, which discusses a clan member being punished, reflecting the broader context of news in Germany.
- The Union Berlin website and Real Madrid website provide detailed information about the match, scores, and future fixtures for the clubs.
Source: www.stern.de
