Union Berlin flying, Hertha Berlin floundering in Bundesliga

Updated Jan. 21, 2023 12:05 p.m. ET

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BERLIN (AP) — Union Berlin came from behind to beat Hoffenheim 3-1 and rose to third in the Bundesliga while city rival Hertha Berlin lost by the same score at Bochum to drop into the relegation zone on Saturday.

Forward Jordan Pefok missed an early penalty for Union when his effort crashed off the left post. Then Hoffenheim’s Ihlas Bebou, making his first appearance of the season after a knee injury, shocked the home team on a counterattack just before halftime.

Union responded with relentless pressure after the break and captain Christopher Trimmel set up defender Danilho Doekhi for two late headed goals to send the home fans wild amid flurries of snow.

Jamie Leweling really got the party going by sealing the win in injury time.

While Union is flying, Hertha is floundering.

Bochum’s win over Sandro Schwarz’s team took it out of the relegation zone at the visitors' expense.

Freiburg slumped to a 6-0 rout at Wolfsburg to drop from second place to fourth, behind Union on goal difference.

Eintracht Frankfurt moved to second after a 2-0 win over visiting Schalke, which remained on the bottom after just two wins all season.

Bruno Labbadia’s debut in charge of Stuttgart ended in a draw against visiting Mainz 1-1.

Cologne hosted Werder Bremen late.

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Danilho Doekhi

Hertha Berlin

VfL Bochum

FC Schalke 04

SC Freiburg

FC Union Berlin

Hoffenheim

Eintracht Fran.