1. FC Union Berlin Secure Bundesliga Status

Gritty Performance

For Union Berlin, it was simple; win, and their Bundesliga status would remain intact. Union headed into the game off the back of a 2-1 win at 1. FC Köln, but were without a victory at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei in five.

But, as they have in recent weeks, Union started quickly. Sebastian Andersson struck straight at Leo Zingerle before Grischa Prömel also saw an effort on goal stopped.

Ken Reichel was then twice denied by the Paderborn goalkeeper as Die Eisernen continued the pressure. Eventually, the pressure and off when a Christopher Trimmel set-piece was delicately turned into his own net by Zolinski.

The second half saw Union forced more into the defensive side of the game as a high-tempo Paderborn decided to wake up. The visitors started to create chances but only saw two from ten hit the target. At the other end, Robert Andrich struck the post before Andersson could only find the side netting. Paderborn pushed for the equaliser but failed to find it.

Debut Bundesliga Campaign

Union Berlin have secured their Bundesliga status with two games remaining. The debutants came up through the relegation promotion playoff last season and will look back at this campaign with much satisfaction.

Despite a heavy defeat to RB Leipzig on the opening day, Union then picked up their first point on the road at FC Augsburg before shocking Borussia Dortmund at the Stadion An der Alter Försterei.

From there, Union never really looked like a team in danger of relegation. But, a run of seven games without a win, either side of the lockdown, saw Urs Fischer’s side slowly drop down the table.

However, the club clearly had enough about them to maintain their stay. As far as debut seasons in the top-flight go, it’s been relatively successful for Die Eisernen.

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