1. FC Union Berlin has impressively confirmed its lead in the Bundesliga. After an unexpectedly confident performance, the “Iron” beat the Borussia Dortmund team 2-0 (2-0).
The man of the evening at the “Alte Förserei” was Union midfielder Jannik Haberer, whose early goals in the 8th and 21st minutes secured Berlin’s seventh win of the season. Dortmund, on the other hand, failed to do anything that would have deserved the title top team. Pomadig, unimaginative and without esprit – BVB didn’t stand a chance that evening. After the fourth defeat of the season, the black and yellow slip down to eighth place in the table.
Big mistake by Kobel
The game could not have started worse for the Westphalians. When trying to clear a harmless back pass, BVB keeper Georg Kobel slipped. The ball tumbled towards the goal line and Haberer, who had moved up, only had to push in.
Instead of showing a reaction and making up for the goalkeeper’s buck, Dortmund tried ball-handling and sluggishness – not a good idea. The Berliners immediately punished Dortmund’s next mistake. Karim Adeyemi allowed the ball to be taken far too easily.
Haberer tight in the lower corner
Via Sheraldo Becker, the ball came to Jordan Siebatcheu, who dropped it, suitable for Haberer, whose powerful low shot landed in the lower left corner – a wonderful direct hit and Haberer’s first brace in the Bundesliga.
After that, it continued in one direction, namely towards the goal of Kobel. From a compact order in the 3-5-2 system, the Berliners built up dangerous attacks. Dortmund, on the other hand, still found no means to pull the Berlin scaffolding apart.
Only Moukoko as a trouble spot
Playfully, Dortmund showed a weak performance. If Youssoufa Moukoko hadn’t tried it on his own from time to time, nothing would have happened at the front. Moukoko’s youngster colleagues Jude Bellingham and Adeyemi posed no danger at all – the wingers Thomas Meunier and Raphael Guerreiro also remained harmless.
At the break, BVB coach Terzic reacted to the desolate performance of his team. Marco Reus, Julian Brandt and Donyell Malen came into play. Adeymi, Meunier and Salih Özcan stayed out.
“Only the FCU will be German champions”
Overall little has changed. Dortmund goal finishes remained in short supply. And if there were small gaps on the Union side, the Berliners sent them by return mail. It’s no coincidence that they are the strongest running team in the league.
In the closing stages, Union focused on managing the result. Now BVB also had chances to score, of which there had hardly been any before. The best Union keeper Frederik Rönnow, who rushed through Moukoko, with a parade worth seeing.
At this point, the Union fans were already in a party mood. “Only the FCU will be German champions,” echoed the “Alte Försterei”.
First cup, then Dortmund against Stuttgart, Union in Bochum
In the 2nd main round of the DFB club cup, BVB will play second division side Hannover 96 (19 October 2022, 6 p.m.), the Irons will also play against a second division club, and 1. FC Heidenheim will be guests in the Alte Försterei (20.45).
On Matchday 11, Borussia Dortmund meets VfB Stuttgart at home (Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.). A day later, Union Berlin is challenged in Bochum (3:30 p.m.).