DFB-Pokal: Ljubicic turns the match and fires Union Berlin into the round of 16

The decisive moment

Braunschweig then pushed for the equalizer but could not find a gap in the Berlin defensive wall in the decisive moments. Union, in turn, used another chance and set the 4:2 final scoreline in the closing stages.

The starting situation ahead of the match had not been easy for Union. After the start of the Bundesliga season and the strains of recent weeks, the Berlin side traveled to Lower Saxony with personnel concerns. That the team still overturned the deficit was seen by the sporting management as proof of the squad's character.

Voices and assessment

At Braunschweig, disappointment was great after the elimination. The second-division side had, in front of their home crowd, largely held their own against a higher-division opponent and scored two goals, but in the end had to concede the fourth goal.

From Union's perspective, in the cup what matters most is advancing. With the victory in Braunschweig, the club secured a place in the round of 16 and avoided an early exit from the competition. In the coming rounds, other tasks now come into focus, but first the Berlin side can take confidence from the late success in Braunschweig.

Looking ahead

The match was part of the second round of the 2026/27 DFB-Pokal. Union Berlin, who play in the Bundesliga, were among the seeded teams in this round as a classic cup favorite. Eintracht Braunschweig, as a second-division side, had the chance for an upset but did not take it.

In the end, the takeaway was this: Ljubicic became the match-winner with his decisive goal, the defense stabilized after the break, and Union Berlin completed the obligatory task in Braunschweig. The place in the round of 16 is secured.