Our Viktoria had already put up a good fight against Union in the league.
In the Berlin Cup final on Sunday (May 19, 2024), the sky-blues ramped up their performance even further.
In a thrilling and, above all, evenly-matched game, there was little sign of Union's dominance in the league. Union Berlin and FC Viktoria alternated strong phases of play since the start of the match.
Commitment And Duels Determine The Game
Blaschka’s free kick for Union hit the crossbar (15th minute), while Anna Höfker's shot went over the bar (16th minute). FC Viktoria's goalkeeper Inga Buchholz made a crucial save against Blaschka (34th minute). The game was primarily defined by intense battles in midfield, with hard but fair challenges.
The second half mirrored this: both sides had their moments, starting with Dina Orschmann for Union (51st, 53rd minutes), then Leyila Aydin for Viktoria (56th minute) and Kim Urbanek, who hit the crossbar (64th minute).
Fans Create A Great Atmosphere
With 2,500 spectators who had braved the rain and then enjoyed the sunshine, it remained exciting at Volkspark Mariendorf. The fans in the stands matched the players on the pitch with their energy!
After 78 minutes, the breakthrough came: the ball finally found the net. Unfortunately, it was Viktoria’s goal. Sarah Abu Sabbah delivered a cross, and Höfker, our rock-solid center back, ended up scoring an own goal.
Extra Time!
The dream of the title seemed to slip away. But just before the end, Viktoria’s persistence paid off: Aylin Yaren beautifully converted a long-range free-kick into the Union net (87th minute). This meant extra time! For the first time this season, Union didn’t leave the pitch as winners after 90 minutes.
In the ensuing half-hour, an own goal ultimately decided the match in Union’s favour. After chances for Union from Abu Sabbah and Trinity Künzel from FC Viktoria. Dekker was put under so much pressure that the ball ended up in her own net (106th minute). It was a bitter end for Viktoria, who continued to push forward but couldn’t break through. Congratulations to Union Berlin on their Cup win!
The title defence didn’t succeed, but the strong performance against the only professional team in the Region League deserves great respect. Thanks to the team on the pitch and to you fans, for your incredible support in the stands!
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