Real Madrid overcame a deficit to edge out Union Berlin, maintaining a 100% win rate as they move into the Champions League Round of 16. The match was decided in the 89th minute by Dani Ceballos, whose goal secured a 3-2 win in the closing game of Group C this past Tuesday. With this result, Madrid topped the group with a maximum of 18 points. This flawless group stage run is a rare feat, occurring only twice before in the 2011-12 and 2014-15 seasons. Meanwhile, Union Berlin exits the competition in last place, having managed only 2 points throughout the stage.
Real Madrid came from behind to edge past Union Berlin and reach the Champions League last 16 with 100% win record. Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos scored an 89th-minute winner to secure a 3-2 victory against Union Berlin in their final Champions League Group C match on Tuesday. The Spanish midfielder Ceballos’ late goal helped Madrid to make it six wins from six matches, finishing the Group stage at the top with 18 points. Madrid won all six group stage games for the third time after 2011-12 and 2014-15. Union Berlin, on the other hand, ended their European run in last place with just 2 points.
The game started with a strong push from the German side, forcing Madrid's Kepa Arrizabalaga into an incredible one-handed stop against Kevin Behrens just 55 seconds in. Madrid eventually pressed back, with Joselu nearly scoring in the 16th minute—hitting the woodwork—and missing again in the 43rd. The pressure mounted further when Frederik Ronnow denied Luka Modric from the penalty spot in the 45th minute.
The momentum shifted just before halftime when Kevin Volland snatched a goal for the hosts, pouncing on a misplayed ball from David Alaba during stoppage time. Union Berlin entered the second half needing a victory to keep their Europa League hopes alive. While they faced increasing pressure—and Ronnow produced another great save to deny Rodrygo in the 55th minute—the deadlock was finally broken six minutes later when Joselu headed the ball into the far post.
Joselu struck again in the 73rd minute, finishing a brilliant run and cross from Fran Garcia at the near post. However, the drama continued as Alex Kral fired a low shot to equalize for the Germans in the 85th minute. It took until the 89th minute for Ceballos to finally seal the win, ensuring Madrid's perfect run remained intact.
\"There's nothing to complain about; we performed very well,\" noted Carlo Ancelotti following the game. \"Our overall play has evolved during the second half of the season, though we've struggled to maintain leads in our last two outings, including today and the match against Real Betis. That's something we need to refine.\" He added that while Madrid dominated the first half, a couple of chaotic minutes made things difficult. \"Luckily, we were more clinical in the second half, utilizing more crosses and leveraging our striker's aerial strength to find those two goals.\"