BERLIN, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Substitute Emil Forsberg provided the injury-time winner helping Leipzig secure a 2-1 comeback victory over Union Berlin at the German Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Both sides staged an evenly balanced start as Leipzig controlled possession whereas Union focussed on counterattacks.
Union produced the first clear-cut opportunity with 15 minutes gone as Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi had to neutralize Grische Promel's effort from inside the box.
Leipzig couldn't find a gap in Union's defense while the visitors from Germany's capital broke the deadlock in the 25th minute as Christopher Trimmel's pinpoint low cross to the far post found Sheraldo Becker, who tapped home from very close range.
The hosts eventually broke through Union's defense but for all that Andre Silva couldn't finish off a combination from 11 meters with all time and space in the 37th minute.
Union remained a menace on a fast break and should have doubled its advantage after the restart, but Taiwo Awoniyi missed Becker's square pass at the second post 57 minutes into the game.
Union's wastefulness got punished straight away as referee Felix Brych awarded Leipzig a foul-play penalty after reviewing Paul Jaeckel's tackling on Christopher Nkunku inside the area. Silva stepped up and converted the penalty to restore parity at the hour mark.
The Red Bulls increased the pressure in the closing stages and were unlucky as Angelino's well-placed shot got cleared off the goal line by Timo Baumgartl.
However, Leipzig pressed for the winner and turned the tides in the dying seconds of the encounter as Benjamin Henrich's cross into the box allowed Forsberg to nod the ball past Union custodian Frederik Ronnow.
With the result, Leipzig advance into the German Cup final for the third time in the last four years. Domenico Tedesco's men clash with Freiburg in the German Cup final on May 21.
"I think we have seen a balanced semi-final. Both sides had their chances but losing the game with the last action before the overtime, is extremely painful. I think we deserved at least the overtime," said Union Berlin coach Urs Fischer. ■
