Football: Bundesliga: 1. FC Union is in the middle of a relegation battle

As always, the kickers of 1. FC Union Berlin did a victory lap through the An der Alten Försterei stadium after the game against FC Bayern Munich. After the 5-1 defeat against the record champions, the players’ looks were serious – just like the Köpenick team’s situation.

The fans tried to build up the self-disappointed team with applause and cheers. The active fan scene displayed the motto for the four games until the end of the season with a huge banner that read “With all force – stay in the league.” This banner has been brought out in difficult sporting phases since the 2009/10 season, when the Wuhlheider played in the 2nd Bundesliga. Now it is time again.

The rejection of the champion dethroned by Leverkusen hurt. »There are games in the Bundesliga where you just get punched in the face. That happened on Saturday. What’s important is how we take it,” said Captain Christopher Trimmel. »I don’t see any team that is fed up. “You shouldn’t forget that we played against Bayern Munich.”

The 1:5 is one of the heaviest home defeats that Union has suffered in its five Bundesliga years to date. It was similarly bitter in 2019/20 against RB Leipzig (0:4) and in 2021/22 against Bayern (2:5).

To some extent it would have been bonus points if the Union team had scored them against one of their biggest opponents. Even in the tenth attempt it wasn’t enough to get a three-pointer against Bayern. But you shouldn’t forget that FCB also lost 3-2 at 1. FC Heidenheim and VfL Bochum in the last few weeks.

Union coach Nenad Bjelica once again struggled with exploiting the chances. But before the break, Munich were on the road to victory thanks to a powerful shot from midfielder Leon Goretzka, who was fighting for his European Championship chance, and a free kick through a dissolving wall from striker Harry Kane.

In the second section, Union wanted to embarrass the Champions League semi-finalists from Munich by switching from a three-man to a four-man defense chain. Vain. Within 20 minutes, Thomas Müller added a brace and Mathys Tel scored. »In the second half we were completely destroyed. This shouldn’t happen to us. “We may have to sort it out ourselves on the pitch so that we are more compact again,” said attacker Kevin Volland.

At least there were still glimmers of hope for the home team. Substitute striker Yorbe Vertessen’s consolation goal in added time prevented Union from going without a goal of their own for the fourth game in a row. And fellow competitors such as 1. FC Köln, VfL Bochum and Borussia Mönchengladbach also lost. Union did not fall back to relegation place 16 on this matchday.

The next two appearances on Sunday at Borussia Mönchengladbach and on May 5th at home against Bochum are equivalent to finals. Union cannot afford any further slump. »A setback like that against Munich sharpens the senses even more – for everyone. We have very important games now. The games in Mönchengladbach and against Bochum point the way in the relegation battle,” explained Volland. “We definitely have to do something about that.” Union will then compete against Cologne, who are also fighting to stay in the league, and against SC Freiburg. But you shouldn’t take chances on these games. After only one win in the last eight games, points are now needed. »Now come the special games for back there. It’s important how the team reacts to the defeat. It’s also up to us as leaders to take responsibility,” said Trimmel.