Union Berlin has maintained its lead in the Bundesliga. At VfB Stuttgart, the Berliners needed little for the maximum yield.
At the end of a tough 90 minutes, a header from Paul Jaeckel (76′) secured Union Berlin a 1-0 (0-0) win at VfB Stuttgart. The “Iron” greet with 20 points after the 9th Bundesliga match day from the first place. With just five points, Stuttgart is the only team in the league without a win to remain penultimate.
Rönnow with a strong reflex against Zagadou
In front of their home crowd, however, the Swabians did not play like a relegation candidate on Sunday (October 9th, 2022), especially in the first half. Again and again, VfB quickly looked for a way forward without losing sight of the protection against the counterattacking Unioner. However, Stuttgart had the best chance in the early stages after a set piece.
After an outside free kick, Dan-Axel Zagadou headed in from close range, but Union goalkeeper Frederik Rönnow prevented the deficit with a strong reflex (14′). The guests didn’t do much for the game until the break and Stuttgart went into half-time with more chances after a sharp Ito free-kick (25′) and a Guirassy header (34′).
Union with a lot of control
In round two, both teams played much more cautiously. Berlin controlled the game through long periods of ball possession, but did not gain any decisive advantages from it. At Stuttgart, the strength and thus the momentum from the first 45 minutes gradually decreased.
Finally, one scene was enough for the ripped-off guests to win. Jaeckel took a corner kick from Nico Gießelmann with perfect timing and headed the ball over the inside post into the goal. Although Stuttgart defended themselves, shortly after going behind, Konstantinos Mavropanos (79th) hit the post and wanted to equalize, but it was no longer enough for a point.
Instead, Serhou Guirassy picked up the yellow-red card with two fouls within five minutes (83rd) and VfB ended the game outnumbered.
Union initially required in the Europa League
On Matchday 4 of the Europa League group stage, Union Berlin welcomes the Swedish representative from Malmö (Thursday, October 13, 2022, 9 p.m.). On the 10th matchday of the Bundesliga, the Köpenickers will then play at home against Borussia Dortmund for important points in the fight for the top spots (Sunday, 5.30 p.m.). Stuttgart have another home game and host VfL Bochum at the bottom of the table in the basement duel on Saturday.