Union move closer to UEL knockouts with narrow 1-0 win over Braga
A second-half handball penalty enabled 1. FC Union Berlin to capture their third consecutive victory in the 2022/23 Europa League group stage. After dropping their first two contests, die Eisernen have a real chance of making the knockouts.
| Urs Fischer. | Photo: Илья Хохлов, Football.ua, CC BY-SA 3.0 |
Union trainer Fischer made four changes to the XI that lost to last-placed Bochum in the league this past Sunday. Danilho Doekhi, Julian Ryerson, and Morten Thorsby slotted in for Paul Jaeckel, Niko Gießelmann, and Andras Schäfer in the Union gaffers usual and never altered 3-5-2. Thorsby almost made an immediate impact when he forced Braga keeper Matheus into a quick reaction save after Sheraldo Becker flicked a ball on in his direction.
Unfortunately for the hosts, this would be the only real danger they could manage in the entire opening half. The games' flow was mostly impeded by small stoppages. The Portuguese guests managed upwards of 60 percent possession, yet couldn't do much against the stalwart FCU defense. Thorsby got a soft header it at the half-hour mark. Three minutes after that, the Norwegian was booked. Fischer opted to take his cautioned player off at the half, replacing him with Schäfer at the restart.
Matters remained mostly cagey in Köpenick during the second half. A noticeably more active Union side still appeared completely harmless in front of goal. In the 65th, A Janik Haberer cross bounced off Braga defender Fabiano's stomach and onto his arm. The controversial play too match official Craig Pawson and the VAR team some three minute to review. In the end, a penalty was awarded. Robin Knoche converted in the 68th for the 1-0.
Haberer nearly doubled the advantage three minutes after that, sending a scorching effort from 18 meters out just wide on the left. The guests pushed hard in search of an equalizer and saw a couple of efforts narrowly missed. The Germans, in turn, took advantage of the extra risk-taking and rattled off a few decent counters. The game got much more lively in the final 20 minutes.
Union kept their defensive discipline standing back firmly entrenched. Braga won their fair share of free-kicks, but saw ultimately saw their attempts cleared in all cases. FCU keeper Frederik Rønnow did have a little difficulty handling the pop of a Ricardo Horta free-kick as the match entered injury time. The Danish net minder somehow deflected it zinger off the top of the crossbar.
