Europa League: Union Berlin reaches the round of 16 – Leverkusen also progress

1. FC Union Berlin gave their fans another magical evening in the sold-out Alte Försterei and made it into the round of 16 in the Europa League against Ajax Amsterdam. In front of their frenetic crowd, the capital city-dwellers won 3-1 (2-0) against the Dutch record champions on Thursday evening in the most important European game in the club’s history (see highlights of the game in the video above).

Robin Knoche (20th minute, hand penalty), Josip Juranovic (44th) and Danilho Doekhi (50th) scored in the second leg of the second round in front of 21,800 fans for coach Urs Fischer’s team. The guests were the game-determining team, but the Köpenickers showed themselves ice-cold when taking advantage of their chances against the most famous opponent in their European Cup history. For the Dutch only Mohammed Kudus (47th) could shorten in the meantime.

The anticipation of the game was even more noticeable in Köpenick than usual. Two hours before kick-off, long queues formed in front of the stadium gates in the drizzle. “When the dream comes true, life becomes intoxication” was written on a large banner of the Union fans. In addition, the championship trophy, the DFB Cup and the trophy of the Europa League were shown. Smoke from pyrotechnics wafted through the stadium from both sides around the kick-off. The Irons showed their typical qualities: combative, disciplined and again efficient in front of goal, as Fischer emphasized as necessary before the game.

Bayer Leverkusen also reached the round of 16 in the Europa League

Penalty thriller and historic advancement for Bayer Leverkusen: In the midst of a disappointing season, the Bundesliga soccer club set an example internationally and made it through the 30th European Cup participation for the first time despite a home defeat. Coach Xabi Alonso’s team won 5: 3 (3: 2, 2: 1) on penalties at AS Monaco, third in the French league, and despite the 2: 3 in their own stadium a week ago, they reached the round of 16 in the Europa League.

Leverkusen started powerfully and took the lead in the eleventh minute after a counterattack by national player Florian Wirtz, but conceded the equalizer through Wissam Ben Yedder (19′). Two minutes later, Exequiel Palacios put the Werkself ahead again – it was 2-1 at the break. Even after the break, Leverkusen remained the more active team and were rewarded in the 58th minute. Amine Adli set the course for the round of 16 after an artfully played cross from Florian Wirtz. The lead could have been even higher. A goal by Mitchel Bakker was rightly disallowed for being offside (63′). Adam Hložek narrowly missed the goal of Monaco keeper Alexander Nübel in the 69th minute. Apart from a few relief attacks, AS Monaco remained largely harmless, but former Mönchengladbacher Breel Embolo scored six minutes from time and ensured extra time. After the goalless 30 minutes, Moussa Diaby converted the decisive penalty.

Watch the video: The highlights of the game AS Monaco – Bayer Leverkusen:

In the play-off round, the eight runners-up in the Europa League group stage played against the eight third-placed in the Champions League group stage to qualify for the round of 16.

The other results of the play-off games on Thursday evening (round of 16 participants fat):

The round of 16 pairings will be drawn tomorrow, Friday at 12 noon in Nyon (Switzerland) (live on ). The games will take place on March 9th and 16th, 2023. The Europa League final will take place on May 31, 2023 in Budapest (Hungary). In addition to Bayer Leverkusen, SC Freiburg from Germany also qualified for the round of 16 by winning their group. The other group winners were also qualified for the round of 16: Arsenal London, Fenerbahce Istanbul, Betis Sevilla, Union Saint-Gilloise, Real Sociedad San Sebastian, Feyenoord Rotterdam and Ferencvaros Budapest.