Union Berlin comes back from Braga with a sense of failure. The Köpenickers are narrowly defeated by the top Portuguese team.
Union Berlin also disappointed on the second day of the Europa League group stage. The team of coach Urs Fischer lost 0-1 (0-0) on Thursday (September 15th, 2022) at the top Portuguese club Sporting Braga. Vitor Oliveira (77′) scored late for Braga.
The Berliners lost to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (0-1) a week ago.
2600 Union fans in Braga
This puts Union under pressure in the fight to survive the winter in Europe, and a win at Malmö FF is almost a must on October 6th.
Union started boldly with the support of around 2,600 fans who had traveled with them. Sheraldo Becker failed with a lob at Braga keeper Matheus (14th). Central defender Diogo Leite headed the following corner to the outside of the post.
Too passive
After that, the guests remained the more active team without developing the necessary pace. Shortly before half-time, Union goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow thwarted the biggest Sporting chance to date with his foot against Simon Banza.
Union came out of the cabin with speed, Julian Ryerson was only centimeters missing when he graduated (48th). After that, the Berliners became more passive and Braga took command. Both teams lost a lot of turnovers in midfield. Vitinha Sporting shot to victory with a dust-off.