The oldest junior team of 1. FC Union Berlin defeated Sportvereinigung Unterhaching in the DFB youth league, 2-1. Having gone a goal down early, the hosts quickly turned the match around and secured three points in their last home game of the season. 

1. FC Union Berlin: Rodtnick – Barry (74th minute Markgraf), Kühling, Riedel, Badran (56th Mewes) – Latzke, Blaszczak (85th Sakoufakis), Ciobanu (74th Ogbemudia), Alkan (85th Tabuaa) – Ali, Wiehe (56th Gray) 

SpVgg Unterhaching: Bracher – Fürmeier (77th Karadza), Wu, Schweinsteiger, Hesch (46th Hesch) – Markulin (31st Kodaj), Schneider (77th Spann), Adilji, Weiß – Eckl (72nd Falck), Pfeiffer 

Goals: 0-1 Eckl (3rd minute), 1-1 Wiehe (8th), 2-1 Barry (21.) 

Spectators: 103 

Union emerge victorious from a sensational opening phase 

In icy temperatures, the Eisernen kicked off on the training ground and charged straight forward. But in response, the guests scored with their first attack: after a quick transition game, an Unterhaching striker burst through on the right side, beat the keeper in a direct duel, and scored from a tight angle. The Köpenickers were unfazed by the early setback and immediately pushed for an equalizer. Just a few minutes later, the equalizer followed: after the Hachinger keeper was able to parry an initial shot attempt, Union's forward Wiehe reacted the quickest and slid the rebound into the net from close range to make it 1-1.  

It soon became clear that the Eisernen were not satisfied with the draw. Union created further attacking actions and had clear advantages in ball possession. Midway through the first half, left-back Barry seized a high ball and shot powerfully from the edge of the penalty area to give the hosts the lead. Union continued to dominate the game in the first half, creating several dangerous situations in front of the goal of the Oberbayern. However, the finishing was often just a few centimeters off, and once the crossbar saved the day. The SpVgg only made it sporadically into the attacking third with high balls and set pieces, but Union's defense consistently neutralized their attempts. Thus, it remained a deserved 2-1 for Union at halftime. 

Intense second half 

Even after the break, the Eisernen set the tone and remained dominant across the pitch. The game became harder and was marked by many intense duels in midfield. The Unioner remained more purposeful in their actions towards the opponent's goal and created further scoring opportunities after winning high balls. Following a borderline collision in the penalty area, Union had to make a substitution due to injury, bringing fresh legs into the match. This revitalized the Köpenicker's attacking play again, but they still lacked the final precision in their finishing. The guest's goalkeeper was tested repeatedly but distinguished himself with good saves.  

In the closing minutes, things got a bit heated again, and the match was marked by many interruptions. Union's defensive stronghold withstood the isolated offensive efforts of the guests, and through counterattacks and quick combinations on the flanks, the Köpenickers remained the more dangerous team. However, the score remained unchanged until the final whistle. The Eisernen secured their second victory against Unterhaching, thus moving ahead of the SpVgg in the table.  

Statement on the match 

“It is not taken for granted how well this team embraced the circumstances today, which speaks to their passion, will, and also quality,” explained coach Marco Grote after the match.  

“We had to play in a new constellation again. Some guys celebrated their comeback despite little training time, pushed themselves to their personal limits, and performed very well, just like the rest of the team. Despite the early setback and some referee decisions where, in my opinion, at least one clear penalty was not awarded, we deserved to win the last home game, and I am particularly happy about that for the boys,” Grote continued. 

Outlook 

To conclude the main round in the DFB youth league, the Eisernen will travel to Baden. The match against Karlsruher SC will kick off at 13:00 in the Arthur-Beier-Stadion.