18 May, 2024

Grande Finale at Alte Försterei!

Report from Arnfinn Kjos Eduardsen

The breakfast in Adlershof consists of eggs and bacon – a must when you have an Englishman visiting. Both Josh and I know that today is important. In a few hours, we will know if Union secures a safe spot in the Bundesliga, if the team needs to play qualification matches, or if they get relegated directly. Thoughts race back to the fantastic five years since Union was promoted in 2019. What a story we have been a part of!

Thoughts also go back to one of the first flights to Berlin after I bought the apartment on Wassermanstrasse, that is, 7 years ago. On the plane, I sat next to a Norwegian football journalist. Although I was only moderately interested in football, it turned out to be an exciting conversation. He told me about Hertha, who at that time played in the Bundesliga, and about Union, who were in the 2. Bundesliga. The journalist gave me clear advice. If you have the chance to get a ticket to Alte Försterei – take it! There you’ll experience fans who support the team no matter what!

A couple of days later, I cycled up to Freiheit 15, and found myself sitting on an outdoor sofa next to an elderly lady – perhaps 85 years old. I heard loud singing from a nearby area, and asked the lady what it was. Her response was prompt! ...it was a match at Alte Forsterei!

Since then, I followed Union, starting with online updates, then radio, and eventually with my own ticket to the games. I have experienced victories and defeats and felt a strong sense of community, no matter the outcome! Union is Union, nonetheless. Today, this makes it a bit less scary to go to the match! Of course, we’re nervous, but that’s to be expected.

This nervousness can also be felt on the bus from Adlershof to Köpenick, quieter than usual, and unusually many in Union colors. We don't know if we are on our way to the last regular Bundesliga game for a while, or if fortune will favor us. Today we wandered directly to the stadium and were there already 30 minutes before the ticket windows opened. The place was packed with people. Inside the stadium we obviously ended up standing at Bamsegjengen’s usual spot, among many familiar faces, all just as nervous. Plus, most had charged their phones well so that the other matches could be followed.

Union started well and had several good chances – but so did Freiburg. By half-time, it was still 0-0, but since Heidenheim was leading 3-0 against Köln, worst case was now  qualification. In the 68th minute, the goal came (Hollerbach) – we were leading 1-0, and at that moment, we were at that moment in a secure Bundesliga position. In the 85th minute, Freiburg scored, and we were back in qualifier position. But in the 92nd minute, we got a penalty. Volland shot at the post, the ball bounced back and gave Haberer the opportunity to score. 2-1 and our place was secure again!!! The last five minutes were agony, but we held on. We can look forward to season number 6 in the Bundesliga. The atmosphere in the stadium was immense throughout the match, but of course, everything exploded when the result was clear.

See you in August at Alte Försterei for a new Budesliga season.

EISERN