From BZ/dpa
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim really spoiled the Bundesliga debut of Union Berlin’s new signing Leonardo Bonucci. The Kraichgauer team won 2-0 (2-0) in the An der Alten Försterei stadium on Saturday, extending Köpenicker’s negative streak.
Across all competitions, it was the Iron Men’s fourth defeat in a row, the last time this happened in Berlin in spring 2020. TSG, on the other hand, climbed into a Champions League place after their fourth win in a row.
In front of around 20,000 spectators, Andrej Kramaric (22nd minute) scored a penalty after a foul by Bonucci. Maximilian Beier (38th) increased the score for the guests, who were rarely dangerous but took advantage of their few chances in an ice-cold manner.
Less than 72 hours after his Union debut in the Champions League, Bonucci also celebrated his premiere in the Bundesliga. The 2021 Italian European champion once again replaced the injured Robin Knoche in defense. At 36 years and 145 days old, according to data provider Opta, Bonucci was the oldest outfield player to make his Bundesliga debut in 21 years and he initially did his job well.
Union behind: Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramaric converts the penalty caused by Bonucci to make it 1-0 for the guests. Union goalkeeper Rönnow has no chance Photo: Ronny HARTMANN / AFP
Until the 21st minute, the Köpenick team could rely on their Italian haven of calm. The defensive veteran repeatedly saw gaps in Hoffenheim’s ranks and initiated the attacks with impressive passes. When Hoffenheim striker Kramaric made a rare advance into the Union penalty area, Bonucci was only able to stop his opponent with a pluck. The fouled man converted safely from the spot.
The tour gave the guests security. The Hoffenheim team quickly countered a Union loss of the ball via Grischa Prömel. The ex-Köpenicker crossed to Beier, who shot in from close range. Bonucci was a step too late. Things almost got even worse for the Champions League club from Berlin before the break when referee Deniz Aytekin again awarded a penalty. But the video referee intervened – the foul was centimeters from the edge of the penalty area.
Union’s Leonardo Bonucci in a duel with Hoffenheim’s Mergim Berisha. Berlin’s Italian newcomer scored the penalty to make it 0-1 on his Bundesliga debut Photo: Ronny HARTMANN / AFP
Union coach Urs Fischer brought on David Datro Fofana for the second half and the Ivorian revived Berlin’s offensive game. National player Robin Gosens’ crosses also landed increasingly in the guests’ penalty area – although they often landed on the head of defender John Anthony Brooks.
Hoffenheim concentrated almost exclusively on defending and opened up great opportunities for Union every minute. First, Kevin Behrens (59′) had a great chance to equalize after a discrepancy in the TSG defense, but put the ball just wide of the empty goal from around 20 meters.
Substitute David Fofana caused a lot of danger in front of the Hoffenheim goal Photo: City Press
Shortly afterwards, Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann fished a shot from Lucas Tousart out of the corner. The Frenchman then hit the side netting from a tight angle.
Fofana also tried his luck several times from promising positions – but the Hoffenheim defenders always got a body part in the way.