Union Berlin achieved a breakthrough in the relegation battle of the Bundesliga in a duel with SV Darmstadt 98. The suspended head coach Nenad Bjelica only saw his team’s success from the stands. The air is getting thinner for the “Lilies” as they are at the bottom of the table.
On Sunday (January 28th, 2024), the Köpenickers earned a deserved 1-0 (0-0) home win in a physically intense game against Darmstadt. After a first half with few chances, Berlin picked up speed. Striker Benedict Hollerbach scored the golden goal (62nd minute) for the “Iron”, who are still in 15th place but now have 17 points. Darmstadt remains bottom of the table with eleven points.
Lieberknecht: “Not a day to give up”
Darmstadt’s coach Torsten Lieberknecht told the Sportschau after the final whistle: “There is disappointment because, regardless of the table constellation and competition, we were hoping for more momentum from the Frankfurt game. We are too hesitant to get into the sixteen to get better shots on goal. But it’s not a day to give up.”
Union’s assistant coach Marie-Louise Eta analyzed the game on the Sportschau microphone as follows: “The relief is huge. You can give the team a really big compliment today. It was clear that it wasn’t going to be the most beautiful football game, but that it was first “It’s about the duels. We played more football as the game progressed, created good chances to score and then rewarded them.”
Ball pushing with half chances in Köpenick
The first half offered the fans at the Alte Försterei heavy footballing fare. Both Union Berlin and Darmstadt 98 avoided risk and acted primarily out of a hedging idea. The highest feeling was a few half chances in the first 30 minutes, but it wasn’t compelling.
That only changed a little afterwards. Kevin Behrens had Union’s best chance in the first half, but his shot went just wide (35′). The “lilies” also joined in the attack. Julian Justvan hit the side netting with his head (39′).
In any case, it was significant for the game in the first half: Neither Frederik Rönnow (Union) nor Marcel Schuhen (Darmstadt) had to fend off a shot on goal. Berlin won almost 60 percent of the duels in the first half and ran four kilometers more than the guests, but Union was unable to convert these physical advantages into real danger.
Union earns lead through Hollerbach
Without head coach Nenad Bjelica, who was suspended after his assault against Bayern’s Leroy Sané, it was up to the assistant team around Danijel Jumic, Marie-Louise Eta and Nino Bule to prepare Union for the second round. And Bjelica’s three assistants, who were watching in the stands, had apparently found the right words in the dressing room.
Because the home team started more stormily, Christopher Trimmel missed (47th). Just under a minute later, Hollerbach failed after a quick counterattack in a duel with Darmstadt goalkeeper Schuhen (48th). A harbinger of what came next: The guests again showed insecurities in the midfield, after Berlin’s conquest of the ball, András Schäfer put Hollerbach in the spotlight perfectly. And with a bit of luck the striker tunneled his way into the lead.
Darmstadt too harmless in the attacking third
This should last. Afterwards, the Darmstadt team sent a few signs of life, for example Luca Pfeiffer tried a backheel after a strong cross from Tim Skarke (71′) and Klaus Gjasula missed a header (79′). In general, there was a lack of consistency in the final third; the SVD often played too awkwardly and harmlessly.
Instead, Union acted much more straightforwardly on offense, Robin Gosens could have increased with a side kick (68th) and Behrens (76th, 84th). The Berlin victory was okay at the end of the day.
Darmstadt welcomes Leverkusen, Union in Leipzig
SV Darmstadt 98 has an extremely tricky task to solve next weekend. Then league leaders Bayer 04 Leverkusen will be visiting the “Lilien” (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.). Union Berlin has to play away at RB Leipzig (Sunday, 5.30 p.m.).
Philipp Höppner, Sportschau, January 28, 2024 5:28 p.m