Bundesliga
Kemlein makes Union history
Aljoscha Kemlein became the first academy graduate to score for Union Berlin in the Bundesliga as Die Eisernen defeated Holstein Kiel 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.
The side from the capital made the trip to the northern-most club in Bundesliga history looking to continue their fine start to the season, having picked up 11 points from their opening six matches.
In the starting line-up for just the second time was 20-year-old Kemlein, who was first included in the starting line-up in the 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund before the international break.
And, even before the midway point of the first half, he had his maiden goal for Union as he produced a fantastic header to glance Tom Rothe's cross into the corner.
That was the first of two goals for Union as Rothe scored late on to secure the points, meaning it was an extra special day for Kemlein, who has been on the Union books since 2016.
"He's doing well - that was already noticeable in training the two or three weeks before," said head coach Bo Svensson after the match about his young midfielder who, in general, put in a calm and composed performance.
With Union now up to fifth in the table and having a new local star to celebrate, things are certainly looking rosey in Köpenick after a difficult 2023/24 campaign that saw them need a last-minute winner against Freiburg to stay in the division. Who knows what is possible for the club this term!