Union Berlin’s high-flyers can continue to dream of winning the DFB Cup in their own city.
Against the second division team 1. FC Heidenheim, the surprise leaders of the Bundesliga won their second round game on Wednesday and deservedly 2-0 (1-0) and made it into the round of 16 without any problems. Coach Urs Fischer’s team has now been unbeaten in five competitive games.
Tymoteusz Puchacz (7th) and Sven Michel (52nd) shot Union into the round of the top 16, which is scheduled for January 31st and February 1st and February 7th and 8th, 2023. The final follows on June 3rd in the Olympic Stadium – the home of city rivals Hertha BSC. In the past season, the Berliners had advanced to the semi-finals, but were eliminated there by the eventual winner RB Leipzig.
It should be different this time. “If you take part in the cup, you want to go to the final,” Fischer said before the game, for which he switched to five positions compared to the 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. Among other things, substitute goalkeeper Lennart Grill got his chance, and Michel stormed in for the injured Jordan Siebatcheu (Horse Kiss) from the start.
And Union immediately put the pressure on. While Heidenheim was almost completely in their own half, the hosts let the ball run smoothly until a gap opened up. Sheraldo Becker broke through on the right and crossed in first class where left-back Puchacz smashed the ball into the goal at the far post.
Union comes out of the cabin dangerous
Union dominated and allowed the guests little in the first round – except for a long-range shot by Andreas Geipl (15th), which Grill easily parried with his fists. Union defender Diogo Leite (31.) could have increased after a Puchacz corner, but failed at Heidenheim goalkeeper Vitus Eicher.
After the break, Union immediately became a fire hazard again. Andras Schäfer sent Becker deep, but Eicher saved his shot in a one-on-one. The second hit was now in the air. First Michel (49th) aimed too high before he headed a cross from Puchacz softly over Eicher, who had rushed out. Even after that, the FCH keeper had to save against Becker (55th) and Robin Knoche (59th) in dire need.