Offering up a fresh perspective on some of the biggest matches from around the world, our Framed series recently took in the Europa League clash between Union Berlin and Ajax for its latest instalment.
We recently packed our bags for the capital city of Germany and specifically the Stadion An der Alten Försterei for the second leg of the Europa League knockout game between Union Berlin and Ajax Stadion An der Alten Försterei. With the first leg at the Amsterdam Arena having finished goalless in the previous week, it was all to play for, with the winner set to secure a place in the Last 16 of the competition.
What looked to be a tough draw for the German side ended up being anything but, with Die Eisernen leading from the 21st minute when Robert Knoche converted from the spot. defender Josip Juranovic's shot from outside the box slipped through the fingers of Ajax keeper Geronimo Rulli.
The former European champions pulled a goal back in the 47th with Mohammed Kudus turning in a Steven Bergwijn cross but Union, who have conceded just three goals in the Europa League this season, restored their two-goal lead with Danilho Doekhi's darting header three minutes later. It was the club's biggest European victory to date, but a disappointing end to Ajax’s European campaign.
Union Berlin, who have only been back in the Bundesliga 1 since 2019, have only lost once in 2023 (to title rivals Bayern this weekend just gone) and now they have a Last 16 date with Union Saint-Gilloise to look forward to.
Photography by Giacomo Cosua for SoccerBible.