Union Berlin edged closer to securing their Bundesliga safety with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg, thanks to a stunning volley from Benedict Hollerbach.
With other results working in their favour, Union Berlin faced Wolfsburg in an unexpected mid-table battle. Having gained seven points from their last three games, Union had climbed to 13th, a solid ten points clear of the relegation zone.
On the other hand, Wolfsburg, with their sights already set on a summer break, had nothing to play for.
They sat comfortably in 12th, winless in their last three games, with no real fear of relegation or hopes of European qualification.
Union came out strong from the start. In the second minute, Leopold Querfeld had a header that hit the post, and a golden opportunity from Khedira, following the rebound, went sailing over the bar from just four yards.
Two minutes later, Wolfsburg’s Wimmer fired a shot from 18 yards that narrowly missed the left post of Union’s goalkeeper Rönnow.
This proved to be one of the few times Wolfsburg threatened, as Union maintained dominance in the opening 40 minutes, though they couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Andrej Ilic squandered a clear chance from six yards with a failed air-kick, and Janik Haberer had a diving save from Kamil Grabara. Hollerbach also sent a powerful shot flying over the bar from 12 yards.
Wolfsburg managed a couple of attempts in the final minutes of the first half, with Wimmer testing Rönnow but firing straight at him from the edge of the box.
The second half saw Wolfsburg come out stronger. Kaminski seized on some careless Union defending in the 50th minute, but his strike was tipped wide by Rönnow.
Against the run of play, Union Berlin took the lead in the 65th minute. Hollerbach volleyed a Querfeld flick-on past Grabara, giving Union a 1-0 advantage.
Wolfsburg came close to an equalizer in the 75th minute when Fischer’s shot from 20 yards deflected narrowly wide. The visitors pushed relentlessly for an equalizer, and former Union player Kevin Behrens had a golden opportunity in the final minute.
However, Behrens somehow lifted the ball over the bar from just two yards out.
This extraordinary miss marked the final notable moment of the match, with Union Berlin holding on to secure a crucial three points that nearly guarantee their survival in the Bundesliga.
