Union Berlin come from behind to stun Eintracht Frankfurt
Union Berlin came from behind to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in a Bundesliga thriller, with Woo-yeong Jeong scoring the winner before Frederik Rønnow saved a stoppage-time penalty.
Eintracht Frankfurt 1-2 Union Berlin
Goals: 1-0 Batshuayi 13’, 1-1 Querfeld 62‘ (assist: Trimmel), 1-2 Jeong 78‘
The Deutsche Bank Park played host to a Bundesliga classic as Union staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Frankfurt. The match, crucial for both teams' aspirations, saw Frankfurt aiming to solidify their position in the top four, while Union sought to distance themselves from the relegation zone. The two sides entered the contest looking to bounce back from recent defeats in what promised to be an enthralling encounter.
Eintracht started the match with intent, dominating possession and creating early chances. Their efforts were rewarded in the 13th minute when Michy Batshuayi found the back of the net, marking his first goal for the club. The Belgian striker capitalized on a rebound after Rasmus Kristensen's initial shot was blocked, slotting home from close range to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
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The Eagles continued to control the game throughout the first half, with their possession reaching an impressive 65%. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya and Farès Chaïbi were particularly lively, creating several chances for the home side. Union, meanwhile, struggled to gain a foothold in the match, managing only one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.
The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Union emerged with renewed vigour, pressing higher up the pitch and challenging Frankfurt's dominance. Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when Leopold Querfeld rose highest to meet a corner from Christopher Trimmel, powering a header past Kevin Trapp to level the scores at 1-1.
As the match entered its final stages, both teams pushed for a winner. Union Berlin made a crucial substitution in the 71st minute, bringing on Jeong for Janik Haberer. The change proved decisive as Jeong struck the winning blow in the 78th minute. The South Korean forward capitalized on a defensive error by Tuta, showing remarkable composure to curl a precise shot into the bottom corner, giving Union the lead and sending the away fans into raptures.
The drama was far from over, however. In the fifth minute of added time, Frankfurt were awarded a penalty after a handball by Danilho Doekhi. Hugo Ekitiké stepped up to take the spot-kick, with a chance to salvage a point for the hosts. But Union's goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow had other ideas, diving to his left to make a stunning save and preserve his team's lead. The final whistle blew moments later, confirming a remarkable victory for Union Berlin.
Player of the Match: Frederik Rønnow
While Jeong's goal was crucial, it was Rønnow's heroics in the dying moments that truly sealed the win for Union. The Danish goalkeeper's penalty save not only denied Frankfurt a point but also capped off an impressive performance throughout the match. His quick reflexes and commanding presence in the box were instrumental in keeping Union in the game during Frankfurt's periods of dominance, making him a worthy Player of the Match.
Watch: Kevin Trapp: "We let it slip"
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Eintracht Frankfurt 2.17 - Union Berlin 0.85
Fastest player: Jean-Mattéo Bahoya (Frankfurt), 34.32 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-1 by Leopold Querfeld (Union), 3.75 percent
Most pressed player: Oscar Höjlund (Frankfurt), 15 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Oscar Höjlund (Frankfurt), +1.95
Fantasy Heroes: Leopold Querfeld (Union, 247 Points), Frederik Rønnow (Union, 209 Points), Oscar Höjlund (EFrankfurt, 178 Points)
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