Union Berlin has impressively stood up to the giant Real Madrid for a long time and said goodbye to the Champions League with its head held high. After a great fight, the proud Köpenick team lost 2:3 (1:0) to the Spanish star ensemble in the Olympic Stadium and, as bottom of the group, also missed the ticket for the Europa League.
Kevin Volland (45th + 1) gave the Iron team a surprising lead in front of 73,420 spectators; the outstanding goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow had previously parried a hand penalty from Croatian veteran Luka Modric (45th). But Joselu (61st, 73rd) turned the game around with a brace. The second Berlin goal by Alex Kral (85th) was countered by Dani Ceballos (89th).
“That’s a bit annoying,” said Volland after the game: “We were able to pinpoint one or two, but again it wasn’t enough.”
For Union, who suffered their first defeat under new coach Nenad Bjelica, their first premier class season ended without a win. Real, on the other hand, crowned a perfect group phase with their sixth success in their sixth game.
Real turns up the heat after an early moment of shock
After the breakthrough in the Bundesliga on Saturday against Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-1), Bjelica announced that he would go into the duel with the Spanish record champions with a “broad chest” – and his team also started very courageously. After Modric lost the ball, Kevin Behrens missed a great chance to take the lead after just 50 seconds, Real keeper Kepa made a strong save.
The guests, who were missing German national player Antonio Rüdiger and 2014 world champion Toni Kroos from the starting line-up, subsequently took control of the game. Exceptional player Jude Bellingham failed from a tight angle to Rönnow (10th). Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s team remained dangerous, Joselu headed it onto the crossbar (16′).
Rönnow parries Modric’s penalty
Union withdrew far and stood compactly, Real patiently looked for the gap in the Berlin defense with more than 80 percent possession. A free kick from Fede Valverde (25th) flew a meter past the goal, after which Union increasingly freed itself from the opponent’s grip before events came to a head shortly before the half-time whistle. Diogo Leite caused a hand penalty, Rönnow parried Modric’s weak, centered attempt. In return, Volland scored from close range, seemingly out of nowhere, to take the lead.
Real came out of the break angry, but Union fought hard. Rönnow remained a strong support, the Dane first held on brilliantly against Rodrygo’s header (55th), but was powerless against Joselu a little later. As a result, the game petered out, Real controlled the game but no longer took big risks. Union fought back with sacrifice and didn’t give up even after Joselu’s second goal. Ceballos touched the hearts of players and fans after the ecstatically cheered equalizer.