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Berlin (dpa) - Union coach Urs Fischer turned down the congratulations on relegation this time, and even his most prominent player did not want to hear about a new, unknown challenge.

"I would like the Europa League, somehow I don't feel like the Europa Conference League," said striker Max Kruse after a 2-1 win against 1. FC Köln, which brought the Berlin Bundesliga club closer to the new one with 38 points , quasi third class European Cup competition.

"I don't even know what that is," added goal scorer Kruse.

To clarify: Even the current seventh place could promote 1. FC Union after the second year in the German upper house of football in the premiere season of the Conference League.

And one of the professionals, euphoric by his first Bundesliga goal, dared to announce the Union fans who were still banned from the stadium due to the pandemic crisis.

"We want to get over 40 points, then we will correct the goals internally and accelerate until the last game day," promised match winner Christopher Trimmel.

Head coach Fischer was “particularly proud” that his team was able to turn the game around on matchday 25.

Because Cologne's Ondrej Duda (45 + 2) had brought the guests into the lead with a converted penalty kick.

Kruse used a hand penalty (48th) to equalize and score his eighth goal of the season.

Finally, Union captain Trimmel (67th) made the decision.

"He was rewarded for a committed performance," said the Swiss fisherman to the Austrian Trimmel.

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After a little hangover at the start of the second half of the season, the Berliners are now unbeaten again five games in a row, at home they did not allow a guest win for the twelfth time in a row.

"I accept congratulations when it is really no longer mathematically possible," said the Swiss fisherman about not relegation, but admitted: "The three points were really a very big step."

And the 32-year-old Kruse probably saw a reason to celebrate, even if only with a round of pizza.

«We let ourselves be pushed back too far after the 2-1 win, but defended well.

You have to win games like that too, ”emphasized the ex-international.

Fischer also attributed the problems in the final phase to a loss of strength.

«We were imprecise there.

We didn't finish the counterattacks well.

And we were a little lucky that we didn't get the equalizer, ”said the Union coach.

More, however, the 55-year-old takes the positive with him: "The team reacted very well to the deficit."

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Fischer circumnavigated the topic of the Conference League: "Now we're enjoying the win and then we'll look further."

At least the experienced coach admitted: “This is something special.

International games are something great, I was able to experience that with my clubs that I have coached. "

Fischer also hopes for games with fans soon.

Union has taken the first step towards this with corona rapid tests for helpers, stewards and journalists.

165 of the 280 authorized stadium visitors took part in the test run, from which knowledge should be gained for a planned pilot game with restricted fan access.

"All processes worked well, all tests were negative," said Union.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210314-99-815164 / 2

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Schedule 1. FC Union

Squad 1. FC Union

Schedule 1. FC Köln

Squad 1. FC Cologne