bundesliga

Frederik Rønnow's penalty heroics secure point for Union Berlin against Freiburg

08.11.2024

Union Berlin and Freiburg battled to a 0-0 draw in the Matchday 10 opener, with Frederik Rønnow's penalty save against Vincenzo Grifo proving decisive in a match of few clear-cut chances.

Union Berlin 0-0 Freiburg
Missed penalty: Grifo (21')

The Friday night Bundesliga clash between Union Berlin and SC Freiburg at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei promised to be an intriguing encounter between two sides with strong defensive records. Union Berlin were looking to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, while Julian Schuster's Freiburg aimed to build on their goalless draw against Mainz. Both teams had been impressive defensively this season, with Union and Freiburg allowing the fewest and second-fewest big chances respectively.

Freiburg coach Julian Schuster oversees his team's tactical approach against Union Berlin - Maja Hitij

Freiburg dominate early proceedings

The visitors started the brighter of the two sides, controlling possession and creating the first real chance of the game. In the ninth minute, Junior Adamu narrowly missed the target with a header from Christian Günter's cross. Union, however, showed their counter-attacking threat when Wooyeong Jeong forced a save from Noah Atubolu.

Wooyeong Jeong unleashes a shot against Freiburg's defence in the early stages. - IMAGO/Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images

Penalty drama unfolds

The match's pivotal moment came in the 21st minute when Freiburg were awarded a penalty after Rani Khedira fouled Eren Dinkçi just inside the box. Vincenzo Grifo stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Union's goalkeeper Rønnow produced a fantastic save, diving to his right to palm away Grifo's effort. The Danish keeper's heroics were followed by another crucial intervention as he denied Günter's rebound attempt.

Frederik Rønnow kept out Vincenzo Grifo's penalty in the decisive moment of the game. - IMAGO/O.Behrendt

Defences hold firm

The remainder of the first half saw both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Freiburg continued to dominate possession, but Union's well-organised defence, led by Kevin Vogt and Diogo Leite, kept the visitors at bay. The home side's best opportunity came just before half-time when Leite headed wide from a Robert Skov corner.

Philipp Lienhart and Yorbe Vertessen contest possession in a hard-fought battle. - Maja Hitij

Second-half stalemate

The second half began with Union showing more attacking intent. Christopher Trimmel tested Atubolu with a powerful long-range effort in the 50th minute. Freiburg responded through Dinkçi, whose shot flew just wide of the post. As the half progressed, both managers made multiple substitutions in an attempt to break the deadlock. Union's Yorbe Vertessen came close in the 70th minute, but his header was well saved by Atubolu.

The Freiburg players acknowledge the support of their fans after the final whistle. - Maja Hitij

Tactical changes and late chances

Both managers made significant changes in the latter stages of the match. Union introduced András Schäfer, Tim Skarke, and Jordan for Hollerbach, Vertessen, and Jeong respectively. Freiburg countered by bringing on Lucas Höler, Nicolas Höfler, and Max Rosenfelder. These changes led to a flurry of late chances. Höler had a golden opportunity in the 83rd minute, but Rønnow was once again equal to the task. Union's substitute Janik Haberer nearly snatched victory in stoppage time, but his volley was tipped over by Atubolu.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Union Berlin 0.79 - Freiburg 2.17
Fastest player: Wooyeong Jeong (Union Berlin), 32.86 km/h
Pass efficiency: Aljoscha Kemlein (Union Berlin), +2.25

Fantasy Heroes: Frederik Rønnow (Union Berlin, 273 Points), Diogo Leite (Union Berlin, 266 Points), Noah Atubolu (Freiburg, 222 Points)