Ilić double secures Union comeback victory in Augsburg | OneFootball

Andrej Ilić's late heroics seal Union Berlin's dramatic comeback win in Augsburg

Union Berlin secured a dramatic 2-1 victory against Augsburg with substitute Andrej Ilić scoring twice in the second half, including a stoppage-time winner, to overturn Phillip Tietz's first-half opener for the hosts.

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Augsburg 1-2 Union Berlin
Goals: 1-0 Tietz 41' (assist: Onyeka), 1-1 Ilić 69', 1-2 Ilić 90'+4 (assist: Khedira)

As the Bundesliga curtain fell on the 2024/25 season, FC Augsburg and Union Berlin served up a fitting finale at the WWK Arena. With both teams having secured their top-flight status, the pressure was off, but the desire for a strong finish was evident. Union Berlin's head coach Steffen Baumgart had emphasised the importance of bringing 'flair' to this final match, while Augsburg's Jess Thorup was keen to end the campaign on a high note in front of their home supporters. The match also marked a significant milestone for referee Dr. Felix Brych, who officiated his 359th and final Bundesliga game before retirement.

Referee Dr. Felix Brych was officiating a Bundesliga match for the last time. (IMAGO/kolbert-press/Christian Kolbert)

Augsburg dominate first half

The opening exchanges set the tone for a lively first half, with Augsburg quickly asserting their dominance. Phillip Tietz signalled the hosts' intent early on, narrowly missing the target with a volley in the second minute. As the half progressed, Augsburg's control became more pronounced, with their possession reaching 61% and their passing accuracy an impressive 86%. The pressure finally told in the 41st minute when Tietz broke the deadlock. The striker, latching onto a pass from Chrislain Matsima, fired home from 15 meters out to give Augsburg a deserved lead. Union Berlin, struggling to find their rhythm, managed just one shot on target in the first 45 minutes, leaving them with work to do after the break.

Phillip Tietz celebrates exuberantly after giving Augsburg the lead in the first half. (IMAGO/Michaela Merk)

Union's second-half resurgence

The second half saw a shift in momentum as Union Berlin emerged with renewed purpose. Baumgart's side began to press higher and create more opportunities. The turning point came in the 69th minute when Benedict Hollerbach embarked on a lung-busting run from his own half. His initial shot was saved by Finn Dahmen, but substitute Andrej Ilić was on hand to tap in the rebound, bringing Union level. The equaliser energised the visitors, who began to look the more likely winners as the match entered its final stages.

Ilić (IMAGO/Matthias Koch)

Ilić's late heroics seal the win

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, Union produced a moment of magic in stoppage time. In the 94th minute, Rani Khedira delivered a pinpoint cross from the left flank. Ilić, timing his run to perfection, met the ball with a clinical volley that flew past Dahmen, sending the away fans into raptures. The late winner was a cruel blow for Augsburg, who had dominated large portions of the match, outshooting their opponents 18 shots to five. However, Union's clinical finishing, particularly from Ilić, proved decisive. The result saw Union finish the season in 13th place, while Augsburg were left to rue their missed opportunities despite a largely positive campaign that saw them finish 12th.

Andrej Ilić and Christopher Trimmel celebrate Union Berlin's equaliser, which paved the way for their dramatic comeback. (IMAGO/Matthias Koch)

Player of the Match: Andrej Ilić

Ilić emerged as the undisputed hero of the match, turning the game on its head with his second-half brace. The striker's impact was not just in his goals, but in his overall play, constantly threatening the Augsburg defence. His first goal demonstrated his predatory instincts, while his winning volley showcased his technical ability under pressure. Ilić's performance was particularly impressive given that he came on as a substitute in the 61st minute, maximising his impact in a short time on the pitch. His two goals from just two shots on target underlined his clinical efficiency, making him the standout performer in this thrilling encounter.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Augsburg 1.65 - Union 1.19Fastest player: Dimitrios Giannoulis (Augsburg), 34.34 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-1 by Andrej Ilić (Union), 85 percentMost pressed player: Benedict Hollerbach (Union), 23 times under pressurePass efficiency: Jeffrey Gouweleeuw (Augsburg), +4.26

Fantasy Heroes: Chrislain Matsima (Augsburg, 266 Points), Jeffrey Gouweleeuw (Augsburg, 256 Points), Phillip Tietz (Augsburg, 253 Points)

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