Union Berlin triumphs against Bielefeld after a thrilling extra time!

Union Berlin triumphs against Bielefeld after a thrilling extra time!

1. FC Union Berlin qualified for the round of 16 in the DFB Cup after defeating Arminia Bielefeld 2-1 in a thrilling clash at their home stadium on Tuesday evening. It was a game that had everything: excitement, intense duels and a crowning conclusion with the decisive goal in extra time.

The game started early and promisingly for Union: In the 11th minute, Leopold Querfeld gave the hosts the lead with a header after a precise free-kick cross from Christopher Trimmel. This start gave the fans dreams, but Bielefeld did not give up. Thaddäus-Monju Momuluh equalized in the 27th minute, which immediately made the game exciting again. Shortly before the break, Noah Joel Sarenren Bazee missed a top-class chance for Bielefeld that could have turned the tide.

Tension until the last minute

After 90 minutes the score was 1-1 and the game went into extra time. This not only offered a continuation of the intense confrontation, but also a decisive twist: in the 106th minute, Marvin Mehlem had to leave the field injured, which left Bielefeld outnumbered. Despite the difficult situation, the team continued to push and showed great commitment.

The final goal for Union came in the 109th minute through Danilho Doekhi, who, after failing to score in six cup games, held his nerve this time. This decisive goal caused wild celebrations among the home fans. Bielefeld's goalkeeper Kersken had his hands full with several strong saves, including a header from Rothe, and was instrumental in keeping the game open for so long.

Statistics and opinions about the game

The statistics speak for themselves: Union Berlin had significantly more shots on goal with 29 shots than Bielefeld, who aimed at the opponent's goal 21 times. The xGoals value after 120 minutes was 2.69 for Union and 2.15 for Bielefeld. Before the game, coach Mitch Kniat had lined up the same starting eleven as in the last league game, while Union changed to three positions.

After the game, Doekhi said: “The game was intense, the focus was on winning in front of our own fans.” Bielefeld's coach Kersken, on the other hand, was proud of his team, but regretted the circumstances: "It's bitter to have to continue playing when we're outnumbered."

Another emotional highlight of the evening was the minute's silence held before the game in honor of Hans-Joachim Lesching, an honorary member of Union Berlin. The atmosphere in the stadium was one of respect and community.

With this narrow but deserved victory, Union Berlin now moves into the round of 16 of the DFB Cup, where the team can hope for further challenges with fresh self-confidence.