The can opener was once again a standard: Union Berlin taught Eintracht Frankfurt a lesson in effectiveness in the Bundesliga.
On Sunday (03/19/2023) Union beat SGE 2-0 (0-0) in front of their own crowd. Rani Khedira put his team in front after a weak first round as a result of a set piece (53′). The opening goal changed the balance of power in the game, so that Kevin Behrens then made the preliminary decision (75th).
The success moves Union Berlin up to third place (48 points) and keeps Bayern Munich (52) and Borussia Dortmund (53) on their heels. However, Bayern still plays in Leverkusen (5.30 p.m.). Frankfurt remains in sixth place.
Frankfurt exploitation of opportunities annoys Glasner
As “completely unnecessary” Frankfurt trainer Oliver Glasner described the bankruptcy on the sports show microphone: “I’ve never seen so many chances to score here at the Alte Försterei. We didn’t take advantage of them. You could also play 0-0 there, but if you defend so adventurously, then not.”
A lot of patchwork at the old forester’s house
It was a tough start at the Alte Försterei. Union withdrew into their own half and gave Eintracht well over 60 percent of the ball possession. Frankfurt made the game, often trying it down the right flank with Aurelio Buta and Rafael Borré.
With the exception of a header from Randal Kolo Muani after a free-kick cross from Mario Götze (16th), there was not much danger. Indicative of the patchwork on both sides: After 30 minutes, neither Frederik Rönnow nor Kevin Trapp had to fend off a shot on goal. Either the offensive players warped or a defender still had his foot in between.
Union walls: Kolo Muani as an asset
The Frankfurters in particular lacked the necessary effectiveness with 12:6 shots on goal in the first round. In any case, the will was there, especially Kolo Muani, rested during the week due to his suspension in the premier class, made steam. He had won 17 of his 21 duels by half-time and was involved in basically every dangerous attack by SGE. Daichi Kamada also missed a chance (34th).
Union went into the dressing room with a flattering 0-0 lead. Because there had been no dangerous advances from Berlin. Frankfurt’s central defender Hrvoje Smolcic often stopped playing long balls from Köpenick: The Croatian, who was on the starting line-up, won 70 percent of his tackles in the first half and was often on the spot in the air.
Typical Union: Khedira’s first competitive goal
So it fit into the picture that the “iron” had to come up against a standard situation before they could become dangerous themselves. And indeed, after a corner, Khedira was able to celebrate his first competitive goal for Union. He had prevailed in the crowd, the Frankfurt defense collectively slept. It was Köpenicker’s 14th goal of the season (of 37) after a dead ball.
After that, Frankfurt acted more erratically. Union was suddenly there, the game was completely different. Berlin defended passionately as usual and now also used the moments of transition.
Sheraldo Becker’s supposed goal was ruled out due to an offside position (68′), but Behrens increased it to 2-0 after a long drive from Rönnow and a subsequent strong run. Frankfurt’s Kamada (82nd) and Lucas Alario (85th) tested the Union goalkeeper again with headers (82nd), but the goal was no longer successful.
Frankfurt opens against Bochum after a break
After the upcoming international break, Frankfurt will open the 26th Bundesliga matchday with a home game against VfL Bochum (Friday, March 31, 8:30 p.m.). Union Berlin welcomes VfB Stuttgart (Saturday, April 1st, 3:30 p.m.).