Union Berlin has qualified for the Champions League for the first time since the club was founded in 1906. After a dominant victory over league rivals Freiburg two weeks ago, Union lost away to Hoffenheim. They needed to match or better Freiburg’s result today to complete a remarkable unbeaten season at home in South-East Berlin.
Rani Khedira’s goal in the 81st minute ensured that Union Berlin secured a top-four finish at the expense of Freiburg.
The club’s success is a poignant story due to its most recent antecedents.
From 2009 until 2019, they competed in the second tier of German football. In 2019, Union won promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in the club’s history. In 2022, the club qualified for the Europa League.
Rani Khedira’s 81st-minute winner at home to Werder Bremen saw Union pip Freiburg to fourth place in the German top flight, with Urs Fischer’s side booking their spot in UEFA’s top club competition for next season.
Source: Vavel