2023-11-09 11:58:00
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The end of the Champions League is just a side note for Union Berlin. The joy at the end of the horror series predominates.
Legend: Union coach Urs Fischer had a good laugh once more at Napoli. Getty Images/Matteo Ciambelli DeFodi Images
Urs Fischer took a deep breath. The Swiss coach of Union Berlin lost a hundred pounds of weight on Wednesday evening. “Finally,” said Fischer, “we have finally rewarded ourselves for a great performance. I’m happy for Union, I’m happy for the team.”
The hard-fought 1-1 draw in the Champions League with Italian champions Napoli put an end to the seemingly endless series of bankruptcies – and gave the Köpenickers faith in themselves back. “It was a little more Union-like once more,” said Captain Christopher Trimmel regarding the courageous and combative performance.
A draw feels like a win
The Berliners had previously lost twelve times in a row. The first three appearances in the “premier class” also resulted in defeats. The first point therefore no longer prevented the group from being eliminated. After a draw that felt like a win, that became irrelevant. “I think it’s good for everyone,” said Trimmel.
Union had already set course for its 13th defeat. The first half in Italy seemed like a blueprint for the negative run of the past few weeks. The goal conceded by Matteo Politano (39th), a free kick on the post by Union’s Josip Juranovic immediately before the break – the setbacks piled up once more.
The equalizer following a counterattack by David Fofana (52nd) seemed like a liberating blow. Union played the game openly. In the end the point was not undeserved. “You might see that one fights for the other,” said Trimmel.
It is of course our goal to winter internationally. We will not give up.
The point for self-confidence should carry Union to the remaining goals in the Champions League. Third place and qualification for the Europa League are still within reach. “It is of course our goal to winter internationally. I know it’s hard. But we’re not giving up,” said Trimmel.
A win in the next game at Sporting Braga on November 29th is almost mandatory. Fischer has already calculated: “This point can still be very important in the final calculation.”
But Union is not free from worries. After tough weeks, the mood was “not exuberant,” said Fischer, despite all the relief. The step in the right direction was only a small one.
This path must be confirmed in the Bundesliga’s core business. It won’t be easy: On Sunday, league leaders Bayer Leverkusen will probably have the most difficult task in Germany at the moment. “Of course Leverkusen is an amazing team at the moment,” said Trimmel, “but so is Napoli. So we will go there with more confidence.”
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