VAR's Cruel Pen: Union and Freiburg Robbed of Glory in Scoreless Standoff
Skip It Futmetrix Score: 29/100. Two cancelled goals and a barrage of 24 shots reduced this match to a cautionary tale about the brutality of modern football's technological overlords.
Intensity Without Reward
The tension at Stadion An der Alten Försterei was suffocating. Leopold Querfeld and Danilho Doekhi constructed a defensive fortress for Union Berlin, weathering Freiburg's relentless siege—until minute 19, when Matthias Ginter's goal was brutally erased by VAR. The roar of celebration died instantly. Freiburg's 63-percent possession should have spelled dominance, yet clinical finishing proved elusive: only 4 of 13 shots found the target. The Balance was stark—control without conversion, dominance without dividends.
The Second Amputation in the 67th Minute
Union Berlin clawed back into contention. Andrej Ilić thought he had delivered salvation in the 67th minute. VAR struck again, snuffing out hope with surgical precision. The stadium collapsed twice. Noah Atubolu in Freiburg's goal made only two saves, while Querfeld's masterclass (7.7 rating, two key passes) held Union's defensive line steady. Twenty-four combined shots. Ten corners. An obscene volume of opportunity—and yet: nothing on the scoreboard.
The Mathematics of Heartbreak
A disaster for both clubs battling mediocrity. Union Berlin (10th, 11 points) and SC Freiburg (11th, 10 points) remain trapped in the middle table's purgatory. Freiburg's superior passing (84 percent accuracy) couldn't translate into goals. Union's xG of 1.16 versus Freiburg's 1.17 proved the cruel truth: both deserved better. Instead, each side trudged away with a point that tasted like defeat—a Pyrrhic draw in a season where points are currency and both teams are running on empty.
Key Questions
How did VAR change this match?
VAR cancelled two legitimate goals: Ginter's strike in minute 19 and Ilić's finish in minute 67. Without those interventions, the scoreline would have been 1-1 or 1-0.
Who was the standout performer?
Leopold Querfeld (Union Berlin) with a 7.7 rating and two key passes. His defensive composure anchored Union's rearguard under sustained pressure.
Who dominated possession?
SC Freiburg controlled 63 percent of the ball with 437 passes. Union Berlin defended compactly and looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
Why is this match rated 29/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 29/100 places this match in the "Skip It" category.
