Union Berlin thrash Hoffenheim 4-0 in relegation six-pointer
Benedict Hollerbach scored twice as Union Berlin won their relegation six-pointer against Hoffenheim with a 4-0 success on Saturday.
Hoffenheim 0-4 Union Berlin
Goals: 0-1 Hollerbach 24’ (assist: Skarke), 0-2 Ljubicic 61’ (assist: Jeong), 0-3 Ilić 73’ (assist: Tousart), 0-4 Hollerbach 87’ (assist: Ljubicic)
In a crucial encounter between two sides battling to avoid relegation, Union delivered a stunning performance to secure a 4-0 victory away at Hoffenheim. The match saw Union demonstrate clinical finishing and tactical superiority to claim a vital win in their fight for survival. The visitors, who started the day just three points above their hosts in the table, moved further clear of the bottom three with this emphatic result.
Hollerbach ignites Union's attack
The match began with intensity, as Marius Bülter of Hoffenheim received an early yellow card in the second minute. Despite this setback, Hoffenheim initially controlled possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Union, however, showed their efficiency in the 24th minute when Hollerbach broke the deadlock. The forward, who had been a constant threat, finished off a well-worked move to give the visitors the lead. Hoffenheim tried to respond, with Andrej Kramarić coming close in the 44th minute, but Union's defence held firm, with goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow making key saves to preserve their advantage going into half-time.
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Substitutes seal the deal
The second half saw Union assert their dominance. Coach Steffen Baumgart's substitutions proved decisive, with Marin Ljubicic making an immediate impact. Just two minutes after coming on, Ljubicic doubled Union's lead in the 61st minute, stunning the home crowd. The visitors continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded again in the 73rd minute when another substitute, Andrej Ilić, added a third. Hoffenheim, despite having the majority of possession, struggled to create meaningful chances against Union's resolute defence, with Tom Bischof and Kramarić unable to find a way through.
Hollerbach puts the icing on the cake
As the match approached its conclusion, Hollerbach capped off his outstanding performance with a second goal in the 87th minute. The striker's brace, along with his overall contribution, highlighted Union's clinical edge in front of goal. Despite having only 40% possession, Union managed seven shots on target compared to Hoffenheim's four, demonstrating their efficiency in attack. The final whistle confirmed a resounding 4-0 victory for Union, a crucial result in their battle against relegation.
Player of the Match: Benedict Hollerbach
Hollerbach's performance was instrumental in Union's victory. The forward not only scored the opening goal that set the tone for the match but also sealed the win with a late strike. His movement, link-up play, and clinical finishing caused constant problems for the Hoffenheim defence. Hollerbach's brace took his tally to five goals for the season, making him Union's top scorer. His ability to perform in such a crucial match demonstrates his importance to the team and their survival hopes.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Hoffenheim 1.46 - Union 2.36
Fastest player: Robert Skov (Union), 33.9 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-4 by Benedict Hollerbach (Union), 9.53 percent
Most pressed player: Wooyeong Jeong (Union), 23 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Robert Skov (Union), +5.92
Fantasy Heroes: Benedict Hollerbach (Union, 434 Points), Wooyeong Jeong (Union, 299 Points), Tom Bischof (Hoffenheim, 354 Points)
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