Endless series of bankruptcies broken
Union celebrates a draw and expects an “insane team”
November 9, 2023, 11:35 a.m
It’s already clear that 1. FC Union Berlin won’t be able to continue in the Champions League. But this fact becomes irrelevant at the point premiere in the premier class. Because the seemingly endless series of bankruptcies has stopped, everyone is breathing a sigh of relief. At least until Sunday in the Bundesliga.
Urs Fischer took a deep breath. The Union Berlin coach had a weight lifted from his heart. “Finally,” said Fischer, “we have finally rewarded ourselves for a great performance. I’m happy for Union, I’m happy for the team.” The hard-fought 1:1 (0:1) in the Champions League with the Italian champions SSC Napoli put an end to the seemingly endless series of bankruptcies – and gave the Köpenickers faith in themselves back.
“It was a bit more Union-like again,” said captain Christopher Trimmel about the courageous and combative performance. The Berliners had previously lost twelve times in a row. The first three appearances in the premier class also resulted in defeats. The first point therefore no longer prevented the group from being eliminated. After a draw that felt like a win, it became irrelevant. “I think it’s good for everyone,” Trimmel said.
Union had already set course for its 13th defeat. The first half in Naples looked like a blueprint for the negative run of the past few weeks. The goal conceded by Matteo Politano (39th), a free kick on the post by Union’s Josip Juranovic just before the break – the setbacks piled up again. The equalizer after a counterattack by David Fofana (52nd) seemed like a liberating blow. Union played the game openly. In the end the point was not undeserved.
Europa League is still possible
“You could see that one fights for the other,” said Trimmel. Co-captain Rani Khedira also praised the team. “We were a bit more consistent when defending. We were also very, very consistent going forward,” said Khedira.
The point for self-confidence should carry Union to the remaining goals in the Champions League. Third place and qualification for the Europa League are still within reach. “It is of course our goal to winter internationally. I know that it is difficult. But we are not giving up,” said Trimmel. A win in the next game at Sporting Braga on November 29th is almost mandatory. Fischer already did the math: “This point could still be very important in the final settlement.”
But Union is not free from worries. After tough weeks, the mood was “not exuberant,” said Fischer, despite all the relief. The step in the right direction was only a small one. This path must be confirmed in the Bundesliga’s core business. It won’t be easy.
The series of bankruptcies has plunged the Berliners into a relegation battle in the Bundesliga. On Sunday (3:30 p.m./DAZN and in the ntv.de live ticker) The most difficult task awaits league leaders Bayer Leverkusen at the moment. “Of course Leverkusen are an amazing team at the moment,” said Trimmel, “but so is Naples. So we will go there with more confidence.”