By Paul Gorgas and Sebastian Karkos
Braga crashes the Union party!
Despite a 2-0 lead, the Iron team missed out in front of 73,445 spectators in the Olympic Stadium (largest home crowd in club history) the first victory in the Champions League – 2:3 against Sporting Braga.
It looks like a red and white victory party in the arch-rival’s stadium for a long time!
In order to offer as many fans as possible a ticket and to meet UEFA requirements, the capital club is moving to the Hertha BSC venue for its home games in the premier class.
But in the foreign stadium, Union gets off to a furious start!
Gosens hits the ball into the net from close range (4th). According to VAR, the goal was conceded because Becker was previously offside. Bad luck for the Berliners.
In the first half, Union looked like the winner and led 2-0 Photo: ANNEGRET HILSE/REUTERS
Despite losing five competitive games in a row, Union is playing courageously. And after Behrens (19th) and Becker (27th) miss a great chance, Becker breaks the spell and puts Union in the lead with the first Champions League goal in the club’s history!
30th minute: After winning the ball in their own box, the Köpenick team quickly switched over. Kral sends Becker on his way with a through pass, who is free through and pushes the ball through the legs of keeper Matheus to take the lead – 1-0 and ecstasy in the stadium.
Becker scored the double in just seven minutes. After a header extension from Tousarts, the striker slams the ball into the net at the top left to make it 2-0 (37th).
Shortly before half-time, Braga suddenly got back into the game. Union keeper Rönnow can only high-five a shot from Horta, allowing Niakaté to make it 1-2 (41′).
Then things get tough for Union!
51st minute: After a corner, Bruma gets the ball. And the ex-Leipziger (2017 – 2019) shoots the ball from 20 meters unstoppable for Rönnow to the right of the post – 2:2.
The end of the party really hurts! 90.+ 4: Union concedes the 2:3 in stoppage time, André Castro
▶ Before kick-off, climate activists glued themselves to the street on the Rudolf Wissell Bridge, which connects the city highway over the Spree towards the stadium.