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Dortmund beats Union Berlin to keep CL hopes alive

Raphaël Guerreiro scored late for Borussia Dortmund to seal a hard-fought 2-0 Bundesliga win over Union Berlin on Wednesday and maintain its Champions League qualification hopes.

Marco Reus’ first-half goal set Dortmund on its way to a win that keeps it four points behind Eintracht Frankfurt in the last qualification place for the Champions League with four games of the season remaining.

But Union left the result in doubt until the 88th minute, when Julian Brandt set up Guerreiro to score on a counterattack.

Dortmund's Erling Haaland shoots on goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 21, 2021.(AP PhotoMartin Meissner, pool)

Union forward Markus Ingvartsen struck the crossbar in the first minute and the visitors maintained their early pressure.

Dortmund’s breakthrough in the 25th minute had more than a touch of fortune.

Union goalkeeper Andrea Luthe was penalized for bringing down Reus, though replays suggested it was a dive. Still, the penalty was given after a VAR check.

Dortmund's Raphael Guerreiro celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 21, 2021.(Christof KoepselPool via AP)

Luthe then atoned by saving Erling Haaland’s penalty, and his effort from the rebound, before defender Robin Knoch’s attempted clearance off the line went in off the inrushing Reus.

Luthe made another good save to deny Haaland again shortly afterward.

Union struck the goal-frame again midway through the second half, when Marwin Hitz got his fingertips to Max Kruse’s free kick.

Dortmund's Raphael Guerreiro celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 21, 2021.(Christof KoepselPool via AP)

Haaland endured a frustrating game, foiled by Luthe again in the 86th, before he hit the side netting in injury time.

Third-place Wolfsburg stayed on track for Champions League qualification with a 3-1 win at Stuttgart. Wolfsburg is five points ahead of Dortmund.

Mainz defeated relegation rival Werder Bremen 1-0 away to overtake the home side and move five points clear of Hertha Berlin in the relegation zone.

Dortmund players celebrate after scoring their side's second goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 21, 2021.(Christof KoepselPool via AP)

Hertha has played two games less. Hertha was supposed to host Freiburg earlier Wednesday, but three of its games were called off as the team is in quarantine for two weeks following a coronavirus outbreak at the club.

Also, Hoffenheim came from two goals down at half time to beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-2.

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Dortmund's Raphael Guerreiro, second from left, shoots to score his side's second goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 21, 2021.(AP PhotoMartin Meissner, pool)

Ciarán Fahey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cfaheyAP

Union's Robin Knoche reacts as Dortmund's Marco Reus, left, celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 21, 2021.(AP PhotoMartin Meissner, pool)

Union's Christopher Trimmel, left, and Dortmund's Jadon Sancho challenge for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 21, 2021.(AP PhotoMartin Meissner, pool)

Dortmund's goalkeeper Marwin Hitz jumps for the ball after a free kick by Union's Max Kruse during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 21, 2021.(AP PhotoMartin Meissner, pool)

Dortmund's Erling Haaland shoots on goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 21, 2021.(Christof KoepselPool via AP)