Union Berlin lost again in the Europa Conference League. In the 1:2 against Feyenoord Rotterdam, the Eisernen beat themselves in the end despite a strong performance in phases.
The game started a bit delayed due to smoke clouds (some spectators had set off pyrotechnics)Feyenoord did more for the game in the beginning in a 4-3-3. Due to poor visibility, Luthe had minor problems with a Kökcu shot (3rd). Sinisterra caused more problems after a quarter of an hour, when he scored after a poor defensive performance by the home side and Linssen’s shot against the post to make it 1:0 (15th).
Union – who had started in a 3-5-2 with Friedrich (comeback after Corona’s illness), Puchacz, Öztunali and Behrens for Baumgartl, Gießelmann, Prömel and Awoniyi after the 2:5 defeat against Bayern – had actually started the game better at this stage and also had a good chance through Becker (6th). After conceding the goal, however, the Eisern looked shocked. The Köpenickers did not manage much going forward. Feyernood allowed the home side to get going, but at first Union could do no more than a good Puchacz shot from an acute angle (20th, just over).
Union rewarded for period of pressure
In the rain-soaked, sold-out Olympiastadion, however, Union finally took control midway through the first half against possession-heavy visitors, and it paid dividends: Feyernood defended a lot, but Trimmel’s fantastic and unassisted shot from distance (41st) left keeper Bijlow and Co. without a chance.
The second half continued with the visitors not without chances, but still offering little in return. Union, however, did not score any goals worth mentioning. Instead, the home side invited Feyenoord to a top opportunity: Puchacz played a catastrophic pass in the direction of Linssen. In the end, Union’s defender was able to thank keeper Luthe, who thwarted Rotterdam’s attacker (57th minute).
Luthe’s slip will be expensive
Union were again in control, but were hardly dangerous. For example, a counter-attack via substitute Awoniyi and Behrens was played out sloppily by the latter (71st). Therefore, as it often happens in football, Rotterdam scored. The Dutch benefited from a Luthe slip in their own five. Joker Dessers scored without any problems (72.). From this point on, at the latest, Union looked unsettled against the visitors, who had already started to come back.
Two Union sending-offs in just two minutes
Although Luthe kept his team in the game (76. against Trauner), the Köpenicker were still swimming at the back. In the end, despite a courageous performance, it was not enough for Union to score any more goals. Instead, the home team decimated itself, with Trimmel (yellow-red) and Joker Teuchert (straight red for assault, 89th) being sent off in just two minutes. In more than five minutes of injury time, both teams only started in vain.
This leaves Union Berlin in last place in Group E of the Europa Conference League after four matchdays. At least only three points separate the capital from second place – with two games to go. Feyenoord Rotterdam are on course for the knockout phase with ten points in first place
Union travel to face 1. FC Köln in a league match on Sunday (17.30), Feyenoord host AZ Alkmaar three quarters of an hour earlier. The next matchday in the Europa Conference League then takes place on 25 November: Rotterdam are guests at Slavia Prague at 6.45 p.m., the Eisernen at the same time at Maccabi Haifa.
