Union Berlin recorded their first win in six Bundesliga games with a vital victory over Freiburg at the Schwarzwald-Stadion – a result which rekindles their charge for European qualification.
Since a 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen midway through January, Urs Fischer’s side had picked up just two points from a possible 15 before their trip to the southwest of Germany, but have three winnable fixtures coming up.
Vital Win for Union Berlin Against Freiburg
First Victory in Six Bundesliga Games
It was an important fixture for Union Berlin – not just because of their winless run, but a reverse result would have seen Freiburg move further ahead of Die Eisernen in the table. However, the victory moves Urs Fischer’s side above Breisgau-Brasilianer and are now just three points behind Bayer Leverkusen, who occupy fifth place.
The game was decided by a solitary goal. Grischa Prömel, whose last goal came in a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich back in December, netted the winner with a second-half header.
Union had less possession than their opponents but created more goalscoring opportunities. For a side that had scored just two goals in their previous five games, it was a positive for Fischer to take.
Despite Taiwo Awoniyi missing out through injury, Union were boosted with the return to the bench of Max Kruse, who has been out injured since December.
Upcoming Fixtures for Union
Having picked up a vital three points, Union will fancy their chances in the next three Bundesliga matches.
Next Sunday, Die Eisernen welcome a Hoffenheim side that are just five points clear of the bottom three and have failed to win in three.
Union then travel to Arminia Bielefeld, who occupy the 16th spot in the division. Despite not winning in four league games, they are only behind Hertha Berlin on goal difference.
Union’s third game in another home tie, this time against Köln. Currently, they are sandwiched between Arminia and Hoffenheim in 14th spot, three points clear of the drop.
What may have felt like an unrealistic dream, Union may now be able to once again push for a European spot. Nine points from the next three league games would certainly help in that respect and is more than achievable.
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