Union Berlin took a massive step toward Bundesliga safety with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, securing only their third away win of the campaign.
Jeong Woo-Yeong’s late strike proved decisive, condemning Frankfurt to their third straight league defeat.
The match was a tale of two halves.
Frankfurt, sitting in fourth and chasing Champions League qualification, were heavy favourites against a Union Berlin side struggling in 14th place and boasting just one league win since mid-January.
The hosts dominated the opening period, making their attacking intent clear from the outset.
Their pressure paid off in the 13th minute when Michy Batshuayi pounced on Rasmus Kristensen’s deflected shot to score his first goal for the Eagles.
The strike ensured Frankfurt maintained their perfect record of scoring in every home game this season.
Union Berlin barely threatened in the first half, managing just one notable effort when Andrej Ilić unleashed a powerful shot that Kevin Trapp dealt with comfortably.
Frankfurt had an opportunity to double their lead when Jean-Mattéo Bahoya was brought down in the box by Josip Juranović, but the referee waved away the penalty appeals.
Towards the break, Union goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow had to be at his best to prevent an own goal after Leopold Querfeld’s mistimed clearance almost found the back of the net.
A Second-Half Turnaround
Union Berlin emerged from the dressing room rejuvenated, and their newfound energy paid off in the 62nd minute. Querfeld atoned for his earlier mishap, meeting Christopher Trimmel’s corner with a precise header into the top corner to level the score.
Frankfurt nearly responded instantly when Kristensen struck the post with a powerful effort, but Union had seized control and looked the more dangerous side.
The visitors made their dominance count in the 78th minute through Jeong Woo-Yeong. The South Korean forward intercepted a loose ball near the halfway line, drove into the Frankfurt penalty area, and, despite having passing options, kept his composure to curl a stunning 20-yard shot into the bottom corner.
The away supporters erupted in celebration, and Union thought they had sealed the result three minutes from time when Benedict Hollerbach finished Woo-Yeong’s cross. However, the goal was disallowed for a deflected handball in the buildup.
Union’s frustration nearly turned into heartbreak deep into stoppage time when Danilho Doekhi was penalized for a handball, awarding Frankfurt a penalty in the 95th minute.
But Rønnow, as he had done all season, came to Union’s rescue, denying Hugo Ekitike with a brilliant low save to his right.
The visitors cleared their lines and held on for a dramatic and potentially season-defining win.
The result ended Union’s three-match losing streak and moved them six points clear of the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Frankfurt remained in fourth but continued their poor run, having now failed to win in six of their last seven Bundesliga outings.
