Champions League: Union Berlin Hold Off Napoli To Draw

Napoli were forced to 1-1 draw by Union Berlin as they near securing a qualification to the knockout stages behind table leaders, Real Madrid. 

The opening goal came later on in the first half as the Germans fell behind from Matteo Politano deflecting home Kvaratskhelia's low cross amidst Union's players. The Germans were near getting an equalier soon after from a free-kick that caught the woodwork.

Union responded on the counter soon after halftime break, as David Fotana latched on Roussillon's deep lob and rifted in the equalizer after Sheraldo Becker's shot was saved to his reach.

With seven points, Napoli are save to make it to the knockout stages. In the other hans, having to draw the game was consoling to the Germans for having not to lose. 

Quick Overview

Union Berlin had a satisfatory draw against the Italian champions and were resilient enough to keep the scoreline intact through the second half. Napoli on their part did all that was necessary to change the fate of the change but a defensive Union was staunch enough not to allow much space in front of the goal. 

Whilst Napoli were all out on the offensive, Union were prudent with the ball and hope to catch their opponents on the counterattack. That did worked against the Italians, who could not afford to lose the game; David Fotana's equaliser on the break with Sheraldo Becker was a neat job on the counter. 

That was not to mention that Napoli had a goal cancelled by VAR for a foul offence by Di Lorenzo pushing Roussillon in flight for an aerial ball. Another was Nathan's header that caught the bottom of the post.

The point earned from the draw is not going to make any difference to Union fate either as the sit at the bottom of Group C. Nevetheless, having to draw snapped their losing run in 12 successive games.