Freiburg (AP) – Even without Max Kruse returning, 1. FC Union Berlin stopped its negative run in the Bundesliga. After five games in a row without a win, the Köpenicker won 1-0 (0-0) at SC Freiburg.
In a game that was a little better in the second half, Grischa Prömel (64th minute) headed the goal of the day. Thanks to the victory, Union passed the SC in the table and shortened the gap to the European Cup places. But also the Freiburg coach Christian Streich are still in the secured midfield of the league.
After an eleven-week injury break, Kruse was allowed to warm up for a long time in the Black Forest Stadium, but was not substituted by Union coach Urs Fischer. At least there was a verbally heated duel between the two brothers Nico and Keven Schlotterbeck in Breisgau. While Nico played through for Berlin, Keven was substituted on in the second round. Otherwise the long tough game offered only a few interesting stories.
In any case, you didn’t notice the most recent negative series among the Berliners. Fischer’s team was the more active from the start. Instead of waiting, the guests attacked early. More than a harmless overhead kick from Joel Pohjanpalo (16.), a subsequent whistle blow by Christopher Lenz (20.) and a long-range shot by Robert Andrich (29) did not jump out. As a result, a tough game developed because the Freiburg found no means against the dense Union defensive.
Since the SC did not develop a chance to score in the first round, Loris Karius initially experienced a relaxed afternoon in the Berlin gate. The 27-year-old was again in the starting line-up because Andreas Luthe hadn’t even started the trip to Freiburg. Returning Kruse looked at the moderate game from outside. What happened in front of the substitutes’ benches was sometimes even more exciting than on the field. Streich and Fischer repeatedly complained loudly about decisions made by referee Sören Storks.
Up until then, Streich had seen little of his team. It was not until the 52nd minute that the Freiburg team became dangerous for the first time. After a cross from Jonathan Schmid, Lucas Höler only headed the ball onto the goal net. Union did better twelve minutes later. Instead of over the gate, Prömel promoted a fine cross from Marcus Ingvartsen into the net. In the 83rd minute, the substitute Petar Musa should have increased it to 2-0, but failed from a tight angle on the strong SC keeper Florian Müller.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210220-99-524084 / 2
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