1-0 home win – Union wins game against Wolfsburg that was overshadowed by protests
IMAGO / HMB-Media
rbb24|Inforadio | 02/10/2024 | Jakob Rüger | Image: IMAGO / HMB Media
1. FC Union Berlin secured an important victory in the relegation battle. The Iron Men won 1-0 against VfL Wolfsburg. The game was overshadowed by tennis ball throws from both fan camps and the game was about to be abandoned.
- Fans of both camps provoke by throwing tennis balls and protests
- The game was about to be canceled
- Danilho Doekhi sets Bundesliga record
- 1. FC Union remains in 15th place with 21 points
The 1. FC Union took an important step in the fight to stay in the Bundesliga with a 1-0 home win against VfL Wolfsburg. The celebrated man of the day was Danilo Doekhi, who headed a corner into the winning goal in the 21st minute of stoppage time in the first half. The game was overshadowed by numerous interruptions due to tennis ball throws and protests against the German Football League (DFL) investor deal.
When he returned to the coaching bench after a three-game suspension, Union coach Nenad Bjelica had to make another change on the right side. Because Josip Juranovic was injured and Christopher Trimmel and Janik Haberer were suspended, Alex Kral, the next central midfielder, was allowed to try his hand on the wing. Ex-Union player Kevin Behrens, who only moved to the Wolves 13 days ago, was officially farewelled before kick-off to applause from the iron supporters.
Long interruption due to tennis ball throws
The guests initially dominated the initial phase in the An der Alten Försterei stadium: Union keeper Frederik Rönnow held strong against a first shot from VfL striker Jonas Wind from close range (6th). On the other side, Kevin Volland shot past the box from a promising position (8th).
A shocking moment followed in the 11th minute: Lovro Majer and Andras Schäfer collided heads in a duel, both sustained a laceration, but were able to continue after a long break. Both teams then stalked each other in midfield, the game was characterized by many duels – both teams tried not to make any mistakes.
Union’s first phase of pressure was interrupted in the 29th minute by the iron support’s protests against the investor’s entry – another minute-long break was the result. Because the tennis ball throws didn’t stop after that, referee Matthias Jöllenbeck finally asked the teams into the changing rooms. At this point, abandoning the game was already being discussed.
Doekhi hits a free-standing header
After an almost 30-minute break, the game resumed. And Wolfsburg immediately had a huge chance: Kevin Behrens placed the ball on Wind in the sixteen-meter area, but Rönnow closed the short corner and parried the shot from close range with his head (40th).
A short time later there were tennis ball throws again, this time by the Wolfsburg annex. Union’s press spokesman Christian Arbeit made an announcement to inform fans that the game would have to be stopped if there were any further disruptions.
In stoppage time, Benedict Hollerbach (45th + 11) initially had the best chance for the Iron Men, but his aim was too imprecise from a promising position. Union’s game now picked up speed, Danilho Doekhi headed a free-standing corner from Kevin Volland to make it 1-0 in the 21st minute of stoppage time. It was the latest goal in a first half in the history of the Bundesliga.
Rönnow prevents Wolfsburg from equalizing
Union came out of the locker room well. Lucas Tousart had the opportunity to make it 2-0, but shot over the goal from eight meters (46th). Afterwards, an open game developed with advantages for Wolfsburg: Majer had a great chance to equalize, but after a remarkable combination he aimed just past Rönnow’s box (54th).
Union also tried to achieve stability and brought in new offensive forces with Aissa Laidouni and Brenden Aaronsen, but there was still no relief. VfL was the better team in terms of play and beat the Iron Men. Wind tested Rönnow again with a header (64′), which the Danish goalkeeper artistically directed around the post.
Wolfsburg then continued to push for the equalizer with great will, but Union’s defense withstood the great pressure of the opponent, so that in the end they were able to celebrate their fourth home win in a row in the Bundesliga.
The voices in the audio
The game in the live ticker
Broadcast: rbb24 Inforadio, February 10, 2024, 3:30 p.m