Union Berlin snatch late win over Malmo in UEFA Europa League
Union increased the pressure and had another chance on target moments later when Ismael Diawara had to save Jordan Siebatcheu's backheeled attempt from very close range.
BERLIN: Robin Knoche’s late winner secured Bundesliga leaders Union Berlin a vital 1-0 victory over Sweden’s Malmo FF in UEFA Europa League Group D on Thursday.
After an unspectacular first half, Union started the second half brightly and produced the first chance of the game after Rani Khedira rattled the post with a hammer from 20 meters in the 63rd minute.
Union increased the pressure and had another chance on target moments later when Ismael Diawara had to save Jordan Siebatcheu’s backheeled attempt from very close range.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock through Knoche after Malmo’s Emmanuel Lomotey brought down Kevin Behrens inside the box.
Things went from bad to worse a couple of minutes later for Malmo as the visitors had to conclude the match with ten men after Lomotey saw a straight red card for a reckless challenge against Sheraldo Becker.
“We didn’t play well in the first half. The second half was better. We stayed calm and rewarded ourselves in the end. We knew we wouldn’t get many chances, but we kept trying,” said Union captain Christopher Trimmel.
-Xinhua
