Euro Sojourn's Bittersweet Ending - Union's Frustration Towards Real!
The European fairy tale takes a somber turn!
However, Real Madrid's first goal ignites anger among the Köpenickers.
Union's Emotional Battle Against Real Madrid!
At half-time, Union appears poised for success with Volland's goal, setting the score at 1-0.
The lead, though provisional, as Real ratcheted up their intensity in the second half - and benefited from the referee's calls.
The equalizer: Rodrygo sends a cross into the heart, and Joselu heads it in (61'). Mired in controversy, with an apparent foul on Paul Jaeckel, this goal holds up to scrutiny after a VAR review - tying the score at 1-1.
The Union squad members visibly seethe with frustration, with captain Rani Khedira repeatedly shaking his head.
Joselu's subsequent header (72') seals Union's European fate, making it 2-1. While substitute Alex Kral momentarily rekindles hope, this revival is brief, yielding only a single goal (85'). Creeping closer is Dani Ceballos's score (89'), ultimately thwarting Union's attempts to reclaim the lead.
In the first half, all signs pointed to Real Madrid's imminent collapse.
Initially, Real Madrid was awarded a penalty, but Diogo Leite blocked it with his arm. Mercifully brief respite. Luka Modrić's shot toward the middle was thwarted by Frederik Rönnow (45').
Ex-Bayern luminary David Alaba faltered immediately. The Austrian inadvertently set Kevin Volland up for an opening goal with a clearance.
The bewildering strike left television viewers in disbelief, with broadcasters repeating the penalty save again and again - until remarkably, Volland's score becomes apparent in the final frame.
Despite the visual evidence, Union's European aspirations end in heartsickness.
Adding salt to the wound, Braga falls to Napoli 2-0, relegating Union to the bottom of the standings, with three points, and behind the Portuguese side.
Additional Insights:
- Previous encounters between the teams did favor Real Madrid, with Jude Bellingham scoring the deciding goal in a 1-0 victory against Union Berlin at the beginning of the season[4].
- Union Berlin attempted a late comeback with a goal from Alex Kral, intending to close the gap (85'), but the Spanish powerhouse, Real Madrid, with masterful play from Dani Ceballos (89'), ultimately preserved their victory.
