Berlin: In an electrifying Champions League Group C finale, Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos emerged as the hero, netting a decisive 89th-minute goal to seal a 3-2 victory over Union Berlin. This win marks a flawless group stage campaign for Madrid, boasting six victories from six matches, while Union Berlin’s European journey concludes at the bottom of the table.
The match kicked off with Union Berlin showing early promise. Just 55 seconds in, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was called into action, executing a remarkable one-handed save to thwart Kevin Behrens’ close-range effort. Real Madrid soon responded, turning up the heat with Joselu coming close to scoring. His 16th-minute header ricocheted off the crossbar, and he narrowly missed another opportunity in the 43rd minute. The first half’s drama peaked when Luka Modric’s penalty was expertly saved by Union’s keeper Frederik Ronnow in the 45th minute.
As halftime approached, Union Berlin seized their moment. Kevin Volland capitalized on a David Alaba miskick, slotting the ball home in stoppage time, sending the hosts into the break with a surprise lead.
With their Europa League hopes hanging by a thread, Union Berlin faced relentless pressure in the second half. Ronnow once again showcased his goalkeeping prowess in the 55th minute, denying Rodrygo’s point-blank header. But he couldn’t keep Joselu at bay in the 61st minute, as the Madrid forward equalized with a header from a Fran Garcia cross.
Joselu wasn’t done yet, putting Madrid ahead in the 73rd minute with another header, this time from a near-post delivery. The match’s intensity didn’t wane as Alex Kral drew Union level with a low strike in the 85th minute.
However, Ceballos had the final word, ensuring Madrid’s victory in the 89th minute and propelling them to the top of the group with 18 points. Napoli followed into the knockout stage in second place with 10 points, while Braga and Union Berlin trailed behind with four and two points, respectively.
This match epitomized the drama and unpredictability of the Champions League, with Real Madrid demonstrating their class and resilience to emerge victorious in a challenging away fixture.
