Union Berlin is in the second round of the DFB Cup after a tour de force.
The Europe League participant prevailed in the East duel at the regional league Chemnitzer FC after extra time with 2: 1 (1: 1, 0: 0).
City rivals Hertha BSC, who had to bury their dream of a final in the Olympic Stadium on Sunday, are waiting for the Bundesliga opener on Saturday.
Jordan Siebatcheu (64′), brought in to succeed Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, and substitute Kevin Behrens (114′) scored for last year’s semi-finalist from Köpenick, who by no means shone. Tobias Müller (62nd) put Chemnitz in the lead.
Union Berlin without precision
“It’s a team that’s always looking for playful solutions. We need a really good performance,” said Union coach Urs Fischer, who had previously suffered from severe back pain, on the “Sky” microphone before kick-off.
Fischer’s team took control of the game early on from the well-adjusted outsider. Captain Christopher Trimmel fired into the side netting from a good position (14′), central defender Robin Knoche tested Chemnitz keeper Jakub Jakubov after a corner two minutes later.
But that was it for the time being from the favorites. At Union with the newcomers Janik Haberer and Siebatcheu, there was an increasing lack of precision in the last third.
Extension brings the decision
And the CFC, coached by ex-pro Christian Tiffert (225 Bundesliga games), became more and more courageous as the game progressed. The majority of the 13,465 fans in the stadium on Gellertstrasse applauded at half-time because the Unioners barely got in front of the Chemnitz goal.
In the 51st minute, the supporters of the sky blue even had the goal scream on their lips. Max Roscher ran freely towards the Berlin box from a half-right position, Frederik Rönnow parried the low shot in the short corner with difficulty.
A little later the time had come: A perfectly kicked free kick from Kilian Pagliuca landed on Müller’s forehead, who didn’t give Rönnow a chance. The party lasted less than two minutes, however, the cross from Andreas Voglsammer, who had just come on as a substitute, was converted by US international Siebatcheu with an artistic shot from the turn.
After that, Union, led by the strong Trimmel, pushed in vain for the decision after 90 minutes. At least Union avoided the penalty shoot-out because Trimmel served a corner for Behrens.