Union Berlin secured a late victory against Köln, who played with ten men, concluding the year in the top eight of the Bundesliga.
Prior to the match, both teams needed a win to ensure a top-half finish in the league standings.
Köln started strong, dominating possession in the first half. In the seventh minute, Jakub Kaminski's low shot was saved by Union Berlin's goalkeeper, Ronnow.
Despite controlling the game, Köln was unable to convert their possession into goals, and both teams went into halftime without scoring.
In the 67th minute, Köln's goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe made a remarkable save, deflecting a header from Querfeld onto the post.
Union Berlin made strategic substitutions in the 73rd minute, bringing on striker Tim Skarke, alongside Andrej Ilić and defender Juranovic, in place of veteran Christopher Trimmel.
Köln faced a significant setback in the 83rd minute when Rav Van Den Berg received a red card for a handball, leaving his team with ten players.
With the numerical advantage, Union Berlin intensified their attack, delivering numerous crosses into the box. In a bid to secure a late goal, Union's coach introduced András Schäfer shortly after the red card.
In added time, Schäfer found the net with a shot from just outside the box, capitalizing on a clearance from a corner.
Following the goal, Union Berlin maintained their lead comfortably, taking advantage of their opponent's reduced numbers. The result leaves Köln without a win in December, while Union Berlin finishes the year in eighth place.
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