Union Berlin left it late at the RheinEnergieStadion, with Aljoscha Schafer’s 90th-minute winner securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over 1. FC Köln in a fiercely contested Bundesliga clash.
The match was marred by a physical opening, with S. Sebulonsen picking up a yellow card in the 13th minute before Union’s C. Trimmel joined the book five minutes before halftime. Despite Köln dominating possession at 61.9%, they struggled to convert territorial advantage into clear-cut chances, managing just 0.41 xG compared to Union’s 1.23.
The second half saw both managers make tactical adjustments. Köln introduced R. Ache in the 58th minute seeking offensive spark, while Union countered with Jeong Woo-Yeong at 64 minutes. T. Krauss’s yellow card in the 49th minute preceded his eventual substitution at 68 minutes, alongside J. Thielmann’s introduction in what became a frantic tactical battle.
The game’s complexion changed dramatically in the 83rd minute when R. van den Berg received a straight red card, reducing Köln to ten men. Union immediately sensed blood, flooding forward as Köln manager scrambled with late substitutions, bringing on D. Heintz and J. Kaminski in the 86th minute.
The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time. Schafer, who had been booked in the 88th minute for his aggressive pressing, found himself in the right place to break Köln hearts with the winner. The goal sparked wild celebrations and subsequent yellow cards for J. Juranovic and goalkeeper F. Ronnow.
Despite Köln’s impressive 90% pass completion rate and 13 shots, they managed just two on target. Union’s counter-attacking efficiency proved decisive, capitalizing on their limited possession to secure three vital points that highlighted the difference between control and clinical finishing in the Bundesliga.
