By Sebastian Karkos
Union’s game in front of 25,000 fans in Mainz should be a hot battle for points. With 32 degrees it was a bit too hot for that, it was only enough for a goalless draw.
Union’s Rani Khedira on the heated battle: “We didn’t see a good game. it was incredibly difficult in the heat. It wasn’t a cakewalk. We didn’t create many chances to score, but we didn’t allow too many either.”
New signing Janik Haberer: “Last week was very good. Unfortunately it wasn’t that good today.” Coach Urs Fischer: It was a tough game. Both teams neutralized each other.”
Mainz professional Karim Onisiwo: “It certainly wasn’t nice to watch today.”
Waypoint for Union.
Union derby winners (3-1 against Hertha) start with just one change: Gießelmann starts, Trimmel sits on the bench for now. Rani Khedira wears the bandage.
In the first half happens – nothing.
Sami Khedira, new expert at pay-TV broadcaster DAZN during the break, about his younger Union brother: “Rani organizes a lot, has a clear order and is strong in duels. He can dare a little more.”
Applies to all unions.
Morten Thorsby provided some freshness after coming on for Haraguchi (71st). The new Norwegian (came from Sampdoria Genoa) celebrates his Union premiere.
Fischer: “He was committed and traveled a lot. I found his 20 minutes to be good. But he still needs a bit until he is physically fit.”
But he can’t provide a Union goal either. The game was completely balanced: 50 percent possession of the ball, 11:10 shots on goal for Mainz. zero goals.
That’s it.