With both sides suffering disappointing 3-0 defeats and subsequent elimination from their respective European competitions in midweek, their attentions turned to qualifying for next season’s edition of the Champions League. The result of this match was sure to be decisive to the end of season standings, and both were unwilling to relinquish level terms in a cagey opening period.
Looking jaded after being dumped out of the Europa League by Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, Germany’s Union were happy to sit back and prey on loose passes from the visitors. This proved to be a risky strategy, as Frankfurt forged opportunities. Randal Kolo Muani lost his marker to meet a Christopher Lenz free-kick at the near post, but couldn’t steer his header on target. They came closest when the ball broke for a lingering Daichi Kamada, only for his snapshot attempt to be thwarted by Frederik Rønnow. Sheraldo Becker was lively for the home side, while Kevin Trapp was tested by a long-range strike from Paul Seguin, but the half was closed out by a flurry of ill-fated chances for Frankfurt, with Rafael Santos Borré going closest with a low drive.
It has been a remarkable fourth-ever Bundesliga season for Die Eisernen, exemplified by Urs Fischer’s brand of smash-and-grab football, and his side looked to punish Frankfurt for their first-half wastefulness. The Eagles were mentally still in the dressing room as Niko Gießelmann’s corner fell conveniently for Rani Khedira, and the combative midfielder reacted well to blast it in on the turn. Where a lead for Union had originally looked unlikely, it was swiftly increased to two as the capital side continued their second-half onslaught. Substitute Kevin Behrens, having endured a goal-scoring drought of late, took out his frustrations on the Frankfurt rearguard, muscling off multiple defenders and smashing the ball through the legs of Trapp.
Oliver Glasner’s side had sensed that their aerial prowess may have been the key to finally unlocking the Union defence and getting back into the game, but headers by both Lucas Alario and Kamada couldn’t ripple Rønnow’s net. The terraces at Stadion An der Alten Försterei were visibly bouncing at the final whistle, as Union look to return to this stadium with a clash against Bundesliga’s bottom club Stuttgart after the international break.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Robin Knoche (Union Berlin)
