The results of Union Berlin vs Real Madrid in the 2023-2024 Champions League will be discussed here. The match at the Olympiastadion, Berlin on Tuesday (12/12/2023) ended with a score of 3-2 in favor of Los Blancos — Real Madrid’s nickname.
Union Berlin fought hard to win and successfully scored goals through Kevin Volland (45+1′) and Alex Kral (85′). However, Real Madrid managed to win thanks to Joselu’s brace (61′ and 72′) and Dani Ceballos’ goal (89′).
This match is no longer decisive for Real Madrid, who are certain to qualify, but Union Berlin is still trying to finish third in order to continue to the Europa League. The hosts immediately threatened in the second minute through Kevin Behrens’ volley, but it was pushed over by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Real Madrid responded in the 16th minute. Joselu successfully headed Fran Garcia’s pass, but the ball hit the goalpost.
Real Madrid received a penalty before the half-time break. However, Luka Modric failed to carry out his duties properly.
Instead of winning, Real Madrid conceded. David Alaba made a blunder and Kevin Volland successfully ended the opportunity by breaking through Kepa’s goal. Score 1-0 to Union Berlin at halftime.
After the break, Carlo Ancelotti responded by bringing on Toni Kroos to replace Federico Valverde. However, it was Union Berlin who threatened first through Robin Gosens in the 47th minute, which was still too high.
Real Madrid was finally able to equalize the score in the 61st minute. Rodrygo moved on the right wing and sent a pass into the penalty box. Joselu succeeded in headbutting him perfectly.
Eleven minutes later, Joselu scored another header. This time through Fran Garcia’s low pass from the left side, which Joselu met with a header as he dropped onto the field.
Union Berlin has not lost hope. They managed to equalize the score in the 85th minute through Alex Kral’s shot from outside the penalty box.
Real Madrid responded again through Dani Ceballos in the 89th minute. It was the final goal that ensured the visitors won 3-2.
After the match, Ancelotti felt it was strange that Madrid had to struggle to beat Union. According to him, the visiting team was a little lucky to play better in the second half.
“It was a bit of a strange match. “It was well controlled for 40 minutes and in two crazy minutes they made it difficult for us,” said Ancelotti as quoted by Marca, Wednesday (13/12/2023).
“In the second half we tried to be a little more effective, we moved more from the outside to provide crosses because we had opportunities,” said the man from Italy.
On the other hand, Ancelotti thanked Joselu who successfully scored two goals in the match. According to him, the 33 year old player is the answer to the difficulty of penetrating Union Berlin’s defensive pattern.
“A very good header player, he scored two goals with his head, and we haven’t done that in the first half,” praised Ancelotti.
“When we try to go more inside with less space, when you have a striker like Joselu you have to try more crosses. “If you have a player like that, you have to know how to use him,” he said.
Thanks to this victory, Madrid swept six matches in the 2023-2024 Champions League group phase with a win. This result made them emerge as winners of Group C of the 2023-2024 Champions League.
