Hollerbach fires Union to victory against Wolfsburg | OneFootball

Benedict Hollerbach strike secures narrow Union Berlin victory against Wolfsburg

Union Berlin claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg on Matchday 28, with Benedict Hollerbach's strike proving the difference in a closely contested match that moved the home side closer to guaranteed safety.

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The Stadion An der Alten Försterei buzzed with anticipation as Union Berlin welcomed Wolfsburg for a crucial Bundesliga clash. The latter entered the match with European ambitions, while the home side were looking to move further away from the drop zone, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between Steffen Baumgart and Ralph Hasenhüttl's teams.

Union Berlin and Wolfsburg players engage in a fierce battle. (DFL/Getty Images/Boris Streubel)

The match exploded into life from the opening whistle, with Union Berlin nearly drawing first blood in the second minute. Leopold Querfeld rose highest to meet a corner, only to see his powerful header cannon off the left post. The home side continued to press, with Janik Haberer forcing a smart save from Kamil Grabara in the 22nd minute. Wolfsburg, however, were not without their chances. Mohamed Amoura squandered a golden opportunity in the 5th minute, firing wide when clean through on goal. The visitors grew into the game, with Patrick Wimmer testing Frederik Rønnow with a fierce drive in the 26th minute. Benedict Hollerbach came close for Union in the 25th minute, while David Odogu headed wide for Wolfsburg in the 28th minute. A significant moment came in the 38th minute when Union's Andrej Ilić was forced off due to injury, replaced by Marin Ljubicic.

Wolfsburg's defence scrambles to clear a dangerous Union Berlin attack (IMAGO/Matthias Koch)

The second half began with Wolfsburg showing more attacking intent, Jakub Kamiński forcing a fine save from Rønnow in the 52nd minute. However, it was Union Berlin who would break the deadlock just past the hour mark. In the 63rd minute, Hollerbach found himself in the right place at the right time, prodding the ball past the onrushing Grabara after a long throw-in from Josip Juranović was headed on by Querfeld. The goal ignited the home crowd and seemed to galvanise the Union players, who redoubled their efforts to protect their lead.

Wolfsburg's Jonas Wind attempts to break through Union Berlin's defence. (Maja Hitij)

Wolfsburg, stung by falling behind, threw caution to the wind in search of an equaliser. Hasenhüttl made attacking substitutions, bringing on Tiago Tomás and later introducing Lukas Nmecha and Kevin Behrens to bolster the offensive line. The Wolves came agonisingly close to levelling in the 89th minute when Behrens found himself with a golden opportunity just yards from goal, but somehow fired wide. Union's defence stood firm in the face of intense pressure. Rønnow made several crucial interventions, including a vital save from Fischer's deflected effort in the 75th minute. Despite Wolfsburg's best efforts, Union Berlin held on to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory, much to the delight of the home supporters.

Player of the Match: Benedict Hollerbach

Hollerbach emerged as the hero for Union Berlin, scoring the decisive goal and causing constant problems for the Wolfsburg defence. His 63rd-minute strike proved to be the difference in a tightly contested match. Hollerbach's performance was characterised by his energy and pressing, as evidenced by his match-high 19 pressure situations. His goal, coming from an xG of just 0.1914, demonstrated his opportunism and ability to make the most of half-chances. Hollerbach's match-winning display underlined his importance to Union Berlin and his growing influence in the Bundesliga.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Union Berlin 1.15 - Wolfsburg 1.73Fastest player: Mohamed Amoura (Wolfbsurg), 33.56 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-0 by Benedict Hollerbach (Union Berlin), 19 percentMost pressed player: Benedict Hollerbach (Union Berlin), 19 times under pressurePass efficiency: Leopold Querfeld (Union Berlin), +3.18

Fantasy Heroes: Leopold Querfeld (Union Berlin, 312 Points), Josip Juranovic (Union Berlin, 216 Points), David Odogu (Wolfsburg, 207 Points)

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