Union Berlin only lack consistency and luck in the end against Malmö FF on Thursday evening (13.10.22). But a late penalty brings victory and at least qualification for the knockout phase in the Europa Conference League.
1. FC Union Berlin has secured a place in the European Cup even after the winter break. In the second leg against Malmö FF, which was explosive after the fan riots a week ago, the Irons came to a late 1-0 (0-0) win in the Europa League in their own stadium. Robin Knoche scored the deserved victory with a penalty kick in the 89th minute.
This means that Union can no longer be dislodged from third place in its group in continental competition and will certainly be in the knockout phase of the Conference League in February. Sporting Braga or Saint-Gilloise in Group D still need to be overtaken to remain in the Europa League.
Strict security controls
Lots of police in front of the stadium, strict security checks – the pyro riots of both fan camps at the first leg in Sweden a week ago led to a tense atmosphere. Even a helicopter circled over the stadium at the old forester’s house. A few Bengalos were also detonated again in the Malmö block.
A lot of patience was required from the Berliners against physically robust guests who, like Union, took little risk in a tactically solid order. A shot by Sheraldo Becker (18th minute), a corner variation by Rani Khedira (25th), a header by Jordan Sibatcheu (31st) and again Becker (44th) with a shot over the goal – there were chances, really compelling wasn’t one of them.
Bone transforms for sure
The Irons came back onto the pitch with noticeably more momentum. The greater offensive drive had an effect. Khedira (64th) hit the outer post from the edge of the penalty area. A little later, Sibatcheu (65th) failed with a fine heel trick on Malmö goalkeeper Ismael Diawara.
The penalty decision that was reversed by referee Aleksandar Stavrev (North Macedonia) was a big excitement for the Union fans. Morten Thorsby (70th) was actually not fouled by Martin Olsson. There was no doubt about the foul on Kevin Behrens afterwards. Knoche converted safely and caused jubilation in the old forester’s house. In injury time, Malmö’s Emmanuel Lomotey saw the red card for gross foul play.