Frantic late-hour rescue - "Once again, it was classic behavior from the Union"
In a thrilling turn of events, Union managed to secure their spot in the league with a 2:1 victory over Freiburg during injury time, thus preventing relegation at the last minute.
What a wild scenario! Joker Janik Haberer (30) netted the winning goal in the 90th + 2nd minute, following Kevin Volland's (31) missed foul penalty. Freiburg's Doan had scored the late equalizer, putting Union in 16th place. Josip Juranovic (28) had already missed a penalty in the first half (38').
But Haberer's game-winning goal ignited a frenzy - Alte Försterei erupted into chaos. Exhausted and relieved, the players collapsed to the ground. Robin Gosens (29) had tears in his eyes.
Assistant coach Marie-Louise Eta (32) gripped her fists and screamed with joy. When the stadium announcer Christian Arbeit announced that Werder had beaten Bochum, another deafening cheer erupted.
Union Berlin players celebrate stand-in goalkeeper Jakob Busk
The team formed a circle on the halfway line and then celebrated stand-in goalkeeper Jakob Busk (30), who is leaving the club after eight and a half years. The celebration then continued in the locker room with loud party music - Union celebrated their salvation.
Captain Christopher Trimmel (37): "This game was typical Union. We never gave up as a team, we kept going, and allowed nothing to get to us. Most importantly, we made it - for all the members, employees, and fans. It wasn't just our achievement this season, the entire club played a significant role in it."
Goalscorer Benedict Hollerbach (22), who netted the opening goal with a spectacular long-range strike in the 68th minute: "It's difficult to put into words what I was feeling during that game. This was the most incredible thing I've ever been a part of. I wish it could have been more serene. The emotional rollercoaster was absolutely insane. I'm just glad it culminated in a positive outcome."
And Union interim coach Marco Grote (51) also joined in the revelry: "It was an uphill battle. It wasn't easy for the players either. It's an indescribable feeling for everyone who worried and quivered."
Despite Union narrowly avoiding complete disaster this season in the Bundesliga, there will be much work to be done. However, on Saturday night, there will be nothing but celebrations in Köpenick!
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Source: symclub.org
