Freiburg (dpa) – The players of 1. FC Union Berlin quickly slipped on their European Cup shirts and danced exuberantly in front of their traveling fans. “Insane,” said the overjoyed coach Urs Fischer. His team would have done something “extraordinary”. “It’s unbelievable what we, as a small club, achieve year after year,” enthused goalscorer Grischa Prömel on the Sky microphone.
With a 4-1 (3-0) win at SC Freiburg, the extremely efficient team from Köpenick secured their second move into international business in a row – and at the same time put a damper on Baden’s Champions League ambitions. Their coach Christian Streich then sharply criticized his team’s defensive work.
The in-form Unioners have now taken 16 points from the past six league games. In the table they are in sixth place before the last matchday of the Bundesliga. At worst, they end the season in seventh place. In the last home game against VfL Bochum next Saturday they could even reach the premier class if things go well. “It’s not up to us to dream, it’s up to us to deliver,” said Coach Fischer, referring to this historic opportunity. It’s an outstanding season for the Berliners anyway.
This also applies to Freiburg. The SC pros were also celebrated by their supporters after their first defeat in five competitive games on Saturday. They remain fourth in the table for the time being, they have long been certain of participating in the European Cup. On Sunday, however, they could be pushed out of the Champions League ranks by RB Leipzig. And the total of ten goals conceded from the past three games also hit the Breisgauers on the mind.
“It’s just too much,” said national player Nico Schlotterbeck, who will switch to Borussia Dortmund in the summer. “We defended badly,” emphasized Streich. “How you get the goals, the crosses allow – that’s not on the level, that’s unacceptable.”
Midfielder Prömel (11th minute), captain Christopher Trimmel (30th), the in good spirits attacker Sheraldo Becker (41st) and substitute András Schäfer (90th) scored for the guests in front of 34,700 spectators. Lucas Höler (59th) shortened for the SC in the meantime.
Both teams performed passionately, but Freiburg experienced an afternoon to forget. Although the hosts had more possession of the ball, they found it difficult to create convincing chances against the compact defense of the Berliners. Union, in turn, convinced with his switching game – and Becker involved in three of their four goals. Visiting coach Fischer also found the appearance of the agile attacking man “extraordinary”.
The interim 1:1 by Höler in the 23rd minute, which was taken back after video evidence, was also a sticking point from the point of view of Freiburg. “I don’t understand it,” said Streich about the handball decision made by Felix Brych’s team of referees. The goal could have given strength to his team. Höler’s in the second half counted – but it was too late for a turnaround.
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