Union Berlin’s high-flyers can continue to hope for the round of 16 in the Europa League. After a disciplined performance in the first leg of the second round, the Bundesliga club drew 0-0 from Ajax Amsterdam and still has every chance of getting a ticket for the top 16 in the second leg on February 23 at the An der Alten Försterei stadium to back up.
“It’s a very good result for us, but we could have won too,” said Morten Thorsby on RTL+. In the Johan Cruyff Arena, Union created a number of chances against the Dutch record champions, who had previously won every game under new coach John Heitinga. The Bundesliga second even cheered briefly after Thorsby’s supposed opening goal (65th).
“I thought I took it with my chest,” said the Norwegian, who also caught the ball in his upper arm. The goal was disallowed for handball after video evidence. But Union “made a good game,” said Thorsby: “And we know we’re even stronger at home.”
Union coach Urs Fischer had to do without Andras Schäfer and the suspended Janik Haberer and Christopher Trimmel in Amsterdam due to injury. In the starting eleven, the Swiss player included Sheraldo Becker and Danilho Doekhi, who had played for Ajax in their youth.
Ajax wakes up after the break – but Union remains dangerous
The hosts took the game into their own hands after a few minutes, but found no solution against the compact defending Unioner. The Berliners, who were repeatedly cheered on loudly by the fans who had traveled with them, mostly withdrew to their own half. Becker was lurking up front, but a cross from the striker after one of his advances was intercepted by Ajax keeper Geronimo Rulli (21′).
But even Ajax could hardly get in front of goal and were initially unable to take advantage of standard situations, Dusan Tadic’s free kick posed no problem for Union goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow (28th). More and more attacking came from the guests, Rulli also had to intervene after a standard situation, the subsequent shot by Becker got stuck in defense (32nd). A little later, Jerome Roussillon put the ball past the goal (35′).
Even though Ajax became more offensive again after the break, Union remained dangerous. Thorsby, for example, got a free-standing header from close range, but Rulli made a save (57′). Thorsby’s foot was sooner, but referee Halil Umut Meler ruled it out.