**Union Berlin Triumphs Over 1. FC Köln with Thrilling 2-1 Victory**

In a thrilling encounter, Union Berlin secured a vital 2-1 victory over 1. FC Köln, boosting their hopes in the league standings. The match, played at Berlin's Olympiastadion, saw both teams display attacking intent, but it was Union Berlin who emerged victorious despite trailing early.

The first half was evenly contested, with both sides creating chances. Köln took the lead in the 15th minute through a well-taken goal, but Union Berlin responded swiftly. Anthony Modeste, making a crucial impact, leveled the score just nine minutes later with a clinical finish. Possession-wise, Köln held 52% compared to Union Berlin's 48%, indicating slight control, but the hosts struggled to convert their pressure into more goals.

The second half saw a dramatic turnaround. Despite a strong start, Köln's defense faltered. Jonas Hector, their defensive lynchpin, received a red card in the 54th minute for a harsh challenge on Kevin Volland, leaving them a man down. This gave Union Berlin the numerical advantage, and they capitalized. Volland, on 61 minutes, capitalized on a defensive error to slot home the winner. Despite a late surge from Köln, including a header from Hector's replacement Timo Hüskes, Union Berlin held firm, securing the points.

This win moves Union Berlin up to 10th place, crucial for their survival hopes. Head coach Heiko Herrmann praised the team's resilience, while Köln's coach Steffen Baumgart acknowledged their defensive lapses. Union Berlin's next match is against RB Leipzig, with high stakes ahead.