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Knoche's penalty goal brings Union early to 1-0
Photo: IMAGO/Matthias Koch
Union Berlin's successful football season seems to have no end.
In the second leg of the second round of the Europa League, coach Urs Fischer's team beat Ajax Amsterdam 3-1 (2-0) and are now in the round of 16.
The first leg a week ago ended 0-0.
Union's round of 16 opponents will be determined in the draw on Friday (1 p.m.) in Nyon.
Ajax showed themselves to be improved compared to the first leg and occupied the otherwise stable Berlin defense.
However, the Dutch quickly deprived themselves of the possible reward.
A clear handball led to the 1-0 penalty for Union.
Robin Knoche converted the penalty kick (20th minute).
At 0: 2, Amsterdam's goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli did not look good after a shot by Josip Juranović (44.).
At the beginning of the second half things seemed to get exciting again: Mohammed Kudus saved his foot in a cross and reduced the lead to 1:2 (47th).
The Berliners were not impressed and responded immediately with a powerful header under the bar from Danilho Doekhi after a corner kick (50th).
Union week can get even better
Ajax didn't give up, but couldn't get through against the deep Union defense.
With 24 goals conceded after 21 matchdays, the Berliners have the second-best defense in the Bundesliga behind Bayern, and the top Dutch club has now felt the effects of this defensive quality.
In injury time, Amsterdam's Edson Álvarez was sent off with a yellow card.
The week could get even better for Union.
Union Berlin has the chance to overtake Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga next weekend.
Union plays away at Munich on Sunday (5:30 p.m.).
The top trio FC Bayern, Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin currently have 43 points on their books.
Union Berlin is also represented in the DFB Cup quarter-finals, where it meets Eintracht Frankfurt (April 4).
The round of 16 pairings of the Europa League will be played from March 9th.
An overview of the competition with all results can be found here.
Jan