Bundesliga: Hollerbach scores for Union Berlin to win against Darmstadt 98

Without Bjelica blocked

1. FC Union Berlin secured an important home win in their relegation battle in their first game without their suspended head coach Nenad Bjelica. The Köpenickers beat SV Darmstadt 98, bottom of the Bundesliga table, 1-0 (0-0) in the An der Alten Försterei stadium on Sunday and increased their lead over relegation place 16 to five points. Benedict Hollerbach was the match winner for Berlin with his goal in the 62nd minute.

This should also reduce the pressure on Bjelica, who is missing two more games after his sensational handwiping against Bayern Munich international Leroy Sané, for the time being. The Croatian watched the game from a box in the stadium and was represented on the sidelines by assistant Danijel Jumic. Assistant coach Marie-Louise Eta took over media duties surrounding the game. There was particularly loud applause for the 32-year-old before the game, but Bjelica was also greeted with the “football god” that is usual in Köpenick.

Union has found its home strength again after a long lull in the first half of the season. The last three league games in the Alte Försterei were won. Including the catch-up game against Bayern, there were seven points from four league games. Darmstadt remained without a win for the twelfth Bundesliga game in a row and is now six points behind Union. The competition from Cologne and Mainz is still within striking distance.

With his unsportsmanlike behavior against Sané, Bjelica caused unnecessary trouble for the Berliners during the week and weakened his own position in the club. In an interview with “DAZN” before the game, managing director Oliver Ruhnert avoided making a clear commitment to the Croatian, who has only been in office since the end of November. However, he clearly denied speculation that some players no longer wanted to work with the coach after the incident.

There was also good news for the Köpenick team before the game: goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow extended his contract on Sunday. The game was accompanied by renewed protests against the German Football League’s investor plans.

It was a tough game on the pitch in the first half. The home side were more active, but remained imprecise, especially with the last pass. It wasn’t until the end of the half that there was anything like a goal threat. Lucas Tousart headed the ball over the Darmstadt box from a good position after a corner (34′).

Shortly afterwards, Kevin Behrens broke away from his opponent. The shot from the Berlin striker, who was recently unsuccessful in finishing, went way over (35′). For the Hessians, Julian Justvan headed the ball into the side netting after an assist from Union loanee Tim Skarke (39′). Shortly after the restart, Hollerbach missed alone in front of Darmstadt keeper Marcel Schuhen (48th) after a bad pass from the guests.

The 22-year-old did better on his next attempt after a pass from András Schäfer. The third goal of the season for the attacker, who only really comes into his own under Bjelica. The Croatian looked relieved in the stands. Behrens missed the 2-0 in the 76th and 84th minutes. Klaus Gjasula had the equalizer on his head (79th).

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