Union’s Morten Thorsby in a tough duel with Amsterdam’s Youri Baas Photo: City Press
By Sebastian Karkos
Shame Union! The iron miss an even better starting position for the second leg.
In one of the biggest games in the club’s history, the second-placed Bundesliga team drew 0-0 in the Europa League play-off first leg at Dutch record champions Ajax Amsterdam.
The Bundesliga second was much closer to victory than the big favorite – and even scored.
Union fans set off pyrotechnics at the Amsterdam stadium Photo: City Press
- Minute: Thorsby takes a flank down with his chest and hits the lead. But because of a handball when receiving the ball, the VAR takes the goal back – a right decision.
Thorsby: “Maybe there was a little bit of hand involved, but I think I took the ball with my chest. Also my header chance, I usually do it. A pity. Still, it was an intelligent game from us and a good result.”
Danger in the Amsterdam penalty area: Ajax goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli punches the ball in front of Unions Kevin Behrens Photo: City Press
Overall, Union is better than Ajax, defends very well and tries to finish again and again. The Dutch disappoint. A proof: Ajax did not fire a shot on goal in the first half for only the second time in a Europa League game.
Union has good cards next week. President Dirk Zingler: “I am confident that Urs Fischer’s team will make it through in the second leg.”
Happy faces from the Union players after the draw in Amsterdam Photo: City Press
TV expert and ex-Unioner Felix Kroos also sees it this way: “Union played a good first leg. They have a great chance to go one lap further at home.”