BERLIN, GERMANY — Leopold Querfeld converted from the spot deep into stoppage time to rescue a dramatic 1-1 draw for Union Berlin against nine-man Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The hosts looked destined for defeat after Nathaniel Brown's sublime 83rd-minute strike, but Oscar Højlund's reckless challenge on Rani Khedira handed Union Berlin a penalty and their Danish defender made no mistake, firing straight down the middle to snatch a point in a pulsating Bundesliga encounter.
The match statistics told a curious tale of contrasting approaches. Frankfurt dominated possession with a commanding 73%, patiently probing for openings while Union Berlin sat deep and looked to strike on the counter. Yet it was the hosts who created the clearer opportunities, registering 11 shots to Frankfurt's three, with goalkeeper Kauã Santos forced into two crucial saves to preserve his side's advantage for much of the contest.
Union Berlin's best chance of the opening period arrived in the 41st minute when Aljoscha Kemlein unleashed a powerful right-footed effort from distance that Santos did superbly to tip over the crossbar. The young midfielder had spotted space outside the box and let fly, but Frankfurt's Brazilian goalkeeper was equal to the task, springing across his line to push the ball to safety. Christopher Trimmel's delivery from the resulting corner caused panic in the Frankfurt area, but the visitors scrambled clear.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Frankfurt controlling the ball but Union Berlin creating the better openings. Querfeld thought he had broken the deadlock in the 64th minute when he rose highest to meet Trimmel's pinpoint cross, but Santos was positioned perfectly to gather the header. András Schäfer then dragged a right-footed effort wide from 20 yards as Union Berlin's frustration mounted.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 83rd minute, and it was worth the wait. Mahmoud Dahoud, who had entered as a substitute just moments earlier, threaded a delightful pass into the path of Brown. The left-back took one touch to control before unleashing a ferocious left-footed drive that arrowed into the top left corner, leaving Frederik Rønnow with no chance. The traveling Frankfurt supporters erupted as their side edged ahead with time running out.
Union Berlin's response was immediate and desperate. They threw bodies forward in search of an equalizer, and their persistence was rewarded when Højlund, already on a yellow card, lunged recklessly at Khedira inside the penalty area. Referee Harm Osmers had no hesitation, pointing to the spot and brandishing a second yellow card to the Frankfurt midfielder. Down to nine men following an earlier dismissal, Frankfurt's resistance finally crumbled as Querfeld stepped up and coolly slotted home to level the scores.
The closing minutes descended into chaos as Union Berlin sensed blood. Derrick Köhn struck the left post with a wicked left-footed effort from a tight angle, with Livan Burcu's clever pass creating the opening. In stoppage time, Andrej Ilić saw his effort from close range blocked by a desperate Frankfurt defender as bodies threw themselves in front of every shot.
The referee was kept busy throughout this fiery encounter, brandishing six cards in total. Union Berlin collected four yellow cards, with Köhn, Schäfer, Kemlein, and Janik Haberer all entering the book for various indiscretions. Frankfurt's discipline cost them dearly, with Højlund's dismissal proving the turning point. The visitors also registered 11 fouls compared to Union Berlin's nine, reflecting the fractious nature of proceedings.
Frankfurt's tactical approach centered on patient possession football, with Mario Götze orchestrating play from midfield and Ritsu Doan providing width on the right flank. Arthur Theate and Robin Koch formed a solid defensive partnership, repelling wave after wave of Union Berlin attacks until the late drama unfolded. Arnaud Kalimuendo worked tirelessly up front but received limited service as Frankfurt struggled to convert their territorial dominance into clear-cut chances.
For Union Berlin, Rani Khedira anchored the midfield with his typical tenacity, winning the crucial penalty that salvaged a point. Woo-yeong Jeong provided energy down the flanks while Ilyas Ansah's pace troubled Frankfurt's backline throughout. Manager Nenad Bjelica will rue his side's inability to capitalize on their numerical advantage earlier, but the late equalizer prevents what would have been a damaging defeat.
The result leaves both teams in mid-table obscurity, with Frankfurt sitting seventh on 25 points and Union Berlin languishing in eighth with 19 points. Frankfurt's goal difference remains stubbornly at zero, while Union Berlin's negative four reflects their struggles this campaign. Neither side could truly afford to drop points in their pursuit of European qualification, making this draw feel like two points lost rather than one gained.
Frankfurt travel to face Borussia Mönchengladbach on February 14, where they will hope to have their suspended players available once more. Union Berlin must regroup quickly, knowing that improved finishing will be essential if they are to climb the table in the coming weeks.