By Sebastian Karkos and Torsten Rumpf
Union plays 1-1 in the Champions League with Naples and gets the first premier class point in the club’s history in the fourth game. There is a UEFA bonus of 930,000 euros for this.
With the draw, Urs Fischer’s (57) team prevented their 13th competitive defeat in a row. That would have been a new negative record for a Bundesliga club – the Köpenickers were spared that.
Thanks David Fofana!
► 52nd minute: Union counterattack! After Fofana’s preparation, Becker fails to keeper Meret, then Fofana scores in the follow-up shot. The first Union goal since the beginning of October!
Of all people, Fofana…
The Ivorian refused to shake Fischer’s hand in the first leg (0-1) after being substituted in the 70th minute. The result: suspension for a week!
Now Fofana is Fischer’s favorite! After the goal, he and Becker do a little dance with a lot of swing in their hips.
Union’s Fofana in a duel with Naples’ Natan Photo: Reuters
Captain Christopher Trimmel satisfied: “It feels very good. We fought for over 90 minutes. That was Union-like again.”
The Berliners have no reason to celebrate for a long time. Napoli pushes for the first goal in the first half. First, keeper Rönnow makes a strong save against Zielinski (17th minute), then the Italian champions are denied a goal after video evidence (30th). Nevertheless, Naples takes the lead.
► 39th minute: Mario Rui with a sharp cross to the five-pointer. Juranovic deflects, shoots Politano’s chest. From there the ball lands in the short corner. 1-0 for Napoli.
But then comes the new fisherman’s favorite Fofana!
Midfielder Rani Khedira: “Apart from one action, we were very consistent over 90 minutes. We played a passionate game.”
Is the Naples draw now the Union’s turnaround?
One thing is clear: the point is not enough for the round of 16 of the Champions League, Union is out. But at least the hope for third place and the Europa League remains.