Union Berlin went into the winter break with disappointing results. For the restart, a first half with problems is followed by a finale that drives the heart rate up.
When Union Berlin plays in the direction of its fans in the An der Alten Försterei stadium, a force can arise. Then attack after attack rolls on the opponent’s goal on the forest side of the football stadium – like in the second half in the 3:1 (0:1) against TSG Hoffenheim.
Then the team and the appendix can rock each other up. 23:10 shots on goal and 18:3 crosses were recorded in the end. Defender Danilho Doekhi (73rd/89th minute) turned the game around, substitute Jamie Leweling made the decision (90th +6).
Union turns the game in the second half
“The team showed their mentality and was tireless,” coach Urs Fischer praised his pros after the game for their effort. “They were able to build up incredible pressure and then deserved the win because of that dominant second half.” After the first half it looked like the fourth disappointing result in a row against Hoffenheim.
The Kraichgauer initially made life difficult for the hosts. “We played really well in the first half. Almost everything we planned has worked out,” said guest coach André Breitenreiter. “We were very dominant, had very good quick attacks and created chances to score.” They accepted the fight and played with commitment. The lead by Ihlas Bebou (43rd) was not undeserved.
But then came the iron ones. “In the second half we didn’t manage enough relief, we didn’t save the balls. We didn’t have the enthusiasm to play like in the first half because Union bought our guts with their mentality and their bite.”
As in the last two league home games against Borussia Mönchengladbach (2:1) and against FC Augsburg (2:2), the Köpenickers ran tirelessly and pushed for the goal. As against Gladbach, one of the main actors in the closing stages: central defender Doekhi. “This force” of the 24-year-old praised Fischer. “The balls came well too. The corner kicks were really good.” Captain Christopher Trimmel was responsible for this.
After Julian Ryerson’s departure to Borussia Dortmund, Niko Gießelmann and Trimmel showed that the Berliners are thin in the full-back position, but have quality players. According to media reports, the Croatian world championship driver Josip Juranovic will be added in the coming days.
Hoffenheim only three points ahead of the relegation rank
Fischer like the taker qualities of the Berliners. “For a long time it was interpreted as a weakness for us that we can no longer react after we’re behind. Now we’ve done it a couple of times. I think that gives us a certain amount of confidence,” said Fischer, but he also posed clear: “No coach would like to be 1-0 down because it’s not that easy to turn a game around.”
After a short dry spell before the winter break, the Berliners are now back in the Champions League with 30 points. In Bremen on Wednesday (8.30 p.m. / Sky) the next points towards 40 points can be added – only then do the irons want to talk about a more ambitious goal for the season than staying in the class.
For the guests from Hoffenheim, who started the season with European Cup ambitions, the table must slowly go down. Hoffenheim are only three points ahead of VfB Stuttgart on the relegation rank – and on Tuesday the Swabians will come to Sinsheim (8.30 p.m. / Sky). TSG have only picked up one point from the last six games. “It’s bitter when you lose your wages through two goals like that,” said Breitenreiter.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
