What SC Freiburg and 1. FC Union Berlin showed on the pitch wasn’t completely boring, but it wasn’t very exciting either. Superior Freiburg did not take advantage of the few chances in the encounter, so that Union was able to grab a point in the away game in the Bundesliga with a 0-0 draw.
The ultra-defensive Köpenickers gained an important point in the fight to stay in the league on Saturday (January 13th, 2024). For the new Berliner Coach Nenad Bjelicawho inherited Union icon Urs Fischer at the end of November, has two wins, one draw and one defeat.
Union without Bonucci and Fofana, but with Vogt
In the days before the game in Freiburg, the Berliners had changed their squad as expected. The Italian European champion Leonardo Bonucci ended his unfortunate interlude in the capital after only six months. The 36-year-old central defender moved to Fenerbahçe Istanbul. Kevin Vogt from league rivals TSG Hoffenheim came as a replacement.
He also returned from FC Chelsea Loaned striker David Fofana returns to the island. “That’s just how it is in the transfer period. We have to adapt. We focus on the players who are there” said Bjelicawho ordered Vogt straight into the starting line-up, shortly before kick-off at “Sky“.”We want to win the game, we have enough offensive people on the pitch. We want to be bold from the first minute.“
Tears from Freiburg coach Christian Streich
Bjelicas Opposite Christian Streich, however, his thoughts were initially with Franz Beckenbauer. When remembering the deceased idol before the start of the game, the SC criedCoach.
The 33,800 fans saw dominant hosts in the first few minutes. The mood boycott of the fans Initially as a protest against the planned investor entry into the German Football League (DFL), the Breisgau professionals were not affected.
Things became dangerous in the Berlin penalty area several times. In the 16th minute, Vincenzo Grifo should have given SC the lead with a header, but Berlin goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow made an outstanding save. Of the guests, Rani Khedira (calf injury) and Aissa Laidouni (Africa –Cup) were missing, there was hardly anything afterwards.
Freiburg’s Sallai misses a great opportunity
Freiburg’s lead seemed to be only a matter of time, but Roland Sallai was also unable to take advantage of a great header opportunity (31′). At the beginning of the second round nothing changed in the picture.
The Breisgauer, who are on the banned Nicolas Höfler, Ritsu Doan (AsianCup) and captain Christian Günter (retraining after a forearm infection) had to do without, the were much better team – but waited in vain for the long-deserved goal until the final whistle.
“From our side it’s an absolutely disappointing 0-0. We were clearly the better team and – without offending Union – we have to win at least 2-0 or 3-0. Union was only looking for a counterattack and we dominated and did it very well. The only thing we can blame ourselves for is that we didn’t score the goals“said Grifo in the Sportschau interview.
Daniel Günther, sports show, January 13th, 2024 6:14 p.m
Union in Mainz, Freiburg at TSG
The Berliners will be guests in Mainz at the start of the next matchday (Friday, January 19, 2024 at 8:30 p.m.). The team Coach Christian Streich will be called upon a day later in Sinsheim (3:30 p.m.).