EA huge Urs Fischer statue in Jesus pose in the forest behind the stadium. A T-shirt with the imprint “Union-Jäger Nr.1” in the Bayern fan shop. The supporters of league leaders Union Berlin have a good laugh on social networks. But even if such posts logically – like the “German champion is only the FCU” chants in the stadium – are provided with a big wink, the triumph of the iron takes on more and more wondrous forms. The next triumph should follow on Thursday in the Europa League at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (9 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Europa League and on RTL +) with entry into the knockout round.
“The fans dream, but we don’t talk about it. We’re just stepping on the gas,” said goalscorer Kevin Behrens after the furious 2-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach with two late goals. Colleague Rani Khedira said with beaming eyes: “Of course it’s a great feeling when the fans celebrate us like that again after the game. It’s a very, very awesome snapshot that we just enjoy.”
The only thing that could stop Union in the last few weeks was a deficit. No problem, now the people from Köpenick have rediscovered their ability to take things like this. The team had previously responded to every loss of the season with a win.
After 60 minutes against the courageous Gladbach, it still looked like the first real setback of the Bundesliga season, which football Germany seems to be waiting for. Bayern back in first place, everything back to normal. But the Berliners came back – and how. Driven by the ranks, attack after attack rolled towards the goal of the guests. The winning goal seemed the only logical consequence, even before it actually fell. That also impressed coach Urs Fischer. “It speaks for the character and the mentality of the team if you can generate such force,” said the Swiss.
“It wasn’t wild, it was controlled”
Even at the end of the fourth English week in a row, the iron still seemed fresh. “We enjoy being able to play every three days,” said Khedira. The team ran almost seven kilometers more than the opponent. But it wasn’t a blind run. Union constricted the Foal-Elf in their own half, but didn’t forget to protect themselves. “It wasn’t wild, it was controlled. Compliments to the team, that really convinced me today,” said Fischer.
The Köpenickers also notice that the opponents are adjusting to Union differently. Mönchengladbach usually withdrew deeply and let the hosts have long periods of possession. “On the one hand, they want to give us the ball because that’s not our greatest strength,” said Khedira. On the other hand, the approach of the actually so strong team from the Lower Rhine surprised him. “That also shows respect for our pressing, our approach and our dangerousness.” Union passed this test on Sunday.
After twelve match days, the Köpenickers are still at the top of the table with 26 points. When does a snapshot become a title ambition? “We’re not going to start fooling around. Our goal remains the same whether we have 26 points or not, the 40-point mark,” said the Swiss. Winning goalscorer Danilho Doekhi also remained cautious after the game, but at least let himself be carried away to say “everything is possible”.
The fans only come to the stadium to have fun, one point would be enough for him, one of them said before the game. When commented that he would certainly not complain about another threesome, he answered in classic Berlin laconicism: “Well, what should we do?”
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