March 30, 2025 – Union Berlin pulled off a gritty 2-1 victory over SC Freiburg at Europa-Park Stadion, shattering the hosts’ Champions League aspirations with a late comeback. Down a goal at halftime, Union flipped the script with strikes from Rani Khedira and Andrej Ilic, moving ten points clear of the Bundesliga relegation zone. Here’s how the players fared in this thrilling turnaround.
Freiburg’s Early Joy Turns to Sorrow
The home side looked set to tighten their grip on a top-four spot when Lucas Höler fired them ahead in the 29th minute, courtesy of a pinpoint Vincenzo Grifo cross. Freiburg had been nearly untouchable at home, losing just twice all season and riding a seven-game unbeaten streak since January. But their failure to capitalize on chances—like Grifo’s late miss—left the door open for Union’s resurgence in this Bundesliga showdown.
Union Berlin’s Heroes Rise
Andrej Ilic stole the show with a 9/10 rating, sealing the win with an 85th-minute strike that capped his tireless effort up top. The Serbian forward’s hold-up play kept Union alive under pressure, while Rani Khedira (8/10) leveled the score just before the break with a cool finish. Captain Christopher Trimmel (8/10) and Josip Juranović (8/10) were rock-solid, with goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow (8/10) thwarting Freiburg’s desperate push for an equalizer.
Freiburg’s Missed Opportunities
Despite their early lead, Freiburg faltered. Höler earned a 6/10 for his goal, but Grifo’s 5/10 reflected a day of squandered chances—his best effort deflected wide late on. Defenders Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart (both 5/10) struggled to contain Union’s second-half surge, leaving Freiburg three points adrift of fourth-placed Mainz and their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half saw Freiburg dominate possession, but Union’s resilience shone after the restart. Khedira’s equalizer flipped the momentum, and Ilic’s energy turned the tide. For Union, this win—only their third since October—cements their relegation safety, now eight points above the playoff spot. For Freiburg, it’s a bitter pill after a season of promise.
Standout Performances at a Glance
Union’s Danilho Doekhi and Leopold Querfeld (both 8/10) anchored the backline, while Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu (6/10) couldn’t stop the collapse. Substitutes like Jeong Woo-Yeong (7/10) added spark for Union, but Freiburg’s bench, including Michael Gregoritsch (5/10), failed to shift the outcome. This match result could define both teams’ seasons.