1. FC Union Berlin’s series of bankruptcies in the Bundesliga has come to an end. In the first game under interim coach Marco Grote and assistant coach Marie-Louise Eta, the Berliners drew 1-1 (0-1) against FC Augsburg on matchday 12.
Kevin Volland scored the equalizer in the 88th minute. Ermedin Demirovic had previously given FCA the lead with a penalty kick (39′). Robin Knoche also missed a penalty for Union (58th).
For the Berliners it was their first point win after nine league defeats in a row. Nevertheless, the Berliners have been waiting for a win for 15 competitive games. The Berliners climbed to 17th place in the table. FCA remained unbeaten in their fifth game under new coach Jess Thorup and finished tenth.
“I didn’t feel any burden”said Union interim coach Marco Grote at the sports show to say goodbye to Urs Fischer before the game, “I have the utmost respect and appreciation. If the fans celebrate him, that’s 1000 percent right.”
Union goalkeeper Rönnow and FCA keeper Dahmen were challenged early on
The game started without much testing. Both teams played straight forward and had their first chances. But the goalkeepers were also directly involved in the game. Union goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow saved against a shot from Demirovic (9th). In direct response, FCA keeper Finn Dahmen was in dire need against Kevin Behrens (10th).
Caroline Labes, Sportschau, November 25, 2023 7:06 p.m
The game then leveled off – until referee Florian Badstübner suddenly pointed to the penalty spot in the 36th minute. Union’s Robin Gosens brought down Augsburg’s Arne Engels on the edge of the penalty area. The scene was examined for a long time, but Badstübner stuck to his decision even after viewing the video images. Demirovic stepped up and scored to give Augsburg the lead (38th).
In stoppage time in the first half, David Fofana had a great chance to equalize, but only hit the face of FCA keeper Dahmen from close range.
Dahmen saves Unions Knoche’s penalty
Shortly after the start of the second half, referee Badstübner came into focus again. Augsburg’s Iago knocked over Christopher Trimmel in an aerial duel in the Augsburg penalty area. Badstübner initially let the game continue but, according to the video images, decided on a penalty.
Caroline Labes, sports show, November 25th, 2023 6:55 p.m
Robin Knoche grabbed the ball and aimed it into the bottom left corner. However, Dahmen had the same idea and scratched the ball off the line (58th).
Just a few minutes later, the 25-year-old was there again and made another strong save against Fofana (62′). Just two minutes later, Dahmen was defeated. Gosens’ header hit rightly didn’t count because it was offside (64′).
Volland redeems Union
Union continued to run – and finally got their reward two minutes before the end. Knoche fired a free kick at the far post to Volland, who scored from close range. It was his first goal in a Union jersey and the first Berlin goal since October 7th. Union pushed for the winning goal in stoppage time, but ultimately the points remained divided.
“The problem for me was that what we didn’t do in the first half, we didn’t do it in the second half.”said FCA coach Jess Thorup to the sports show, “Because we played well in the first half and were in control. But in the second half Union put us under pressure and so maybe a point was okay.”
The Berliners will now be challenged in the Champions League against Sporting Braga next Wednesday (November 29th, 2023) (9 p.m.). On the 13th Bundesliga matchday, Union will play away in Munich (December 2, 2023, 3:30 p.m.). Augsburg will face Eintracht Frankfurt at home one day later (7:30 p.m.).