How far does Union Berlin lead in the DFB Cup? On Wednesday evening, the Köpenickers won a very entertaining city derby at Hertha BSC and advanced to the quarter-finals. After the game, Max Kruse teased his teammate Andreas Voglsammer and announced a party – albeit a short one.
Ticket solved: Max Kruse (#10) celebrates in the Berlin Olympic Stadium.
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When referee Deniz Aytekin put an end to the Berlin city derby, there were only two key statistics in which Union Berlin was on top. The Irons had won the majority of duels (54 percent) – and they were also ahead in the most important discipline, scoring goals.
Hertha BSC could not be denied the effort, after all, the old lady had left no stone unturned after a weak initial phase and meanwhile got Union into trouble – but in the end the team of coach Tayfun Korkut had to acknowledge the end.
The Iron Ones celebrate – but only “until we’re done showering”
Max Kruse called his team’s advancement “deserved” and immediately announced: “We’ll celebrate until we’ve finished showering.” Despite reaching the quarter-finals, nothing more is planned, because “a trend-setting game in Gladbach” is already scheduled for Saturday.
If Union also exist there, the FCU could jump to a Champions League spot. Union also showed on Wednesday evening that this is no coincidence – especially in the initial phase. The Köpenickers were already on the gas pedal at the kick-off and fired three shots in the first 60 seconds, ten minutes later Hertha goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow was beaten. Andreas Voglsammer directed a Kruse cross into the goal with a fantastic direct acceptance and let Union celebrate for the first time.
Will Union come to the Olympic Stadium again?
“I don’t think he counted on that himself,” Kruse said later and laughed – knowing full well that Voglsammer “has to hit the ball exactly the same way” “so that it goes in”.
In fact, it was a stroke of genius that put the Unioners in the lead. Before the break they had to get through one or the other tricky situation, but after the restart they increased (50′) and immediately had an answer ready for the goal (54′) (55′).
Ultimately, Urs Fischer’s team was simply more effective – and could give their business card again in May at the Olympic Stadium. Then the final in Berlin’s Westend rises.
