In the Bundesliga, 1. FC Union Berlin suffered its fifth competitive defeat in a row against Heidenheim. The Champions League participant from Köpenick was defeated by the promoted team FCH.
Coach Urs Fischer’s team lost their away game at 1. FC Heidenheim 0-1 (0-0) on Saturday (September 30th, 2023) and failed to gain much-needed self-confidence three days before the premier class duel with Sporting Braga.
Jan-Niklas Beste (59th) scored the decisive goal with a direct free kick for Heidenheim, who, with their courageous style of play, once again provided a sign of respect and were able to celebrate the second victory in their young Bundesliga history. Union, on the other hand, has had its worst series since the start of the premiere season in the upper house in 2019.
Union Berlin is vulnerable to counterattacks
Both teams looked for a quick way forward while in possession of the ball. As a result, no one was able to take control of the game; rather, a fast-paced game developed with a number of chances – the biggest each went to Sheraldo Becker (9th) for Union and Tim Kleindienst (16th) for the hosts, but both of them only hit the side netting.
Union achieved the more fluid combinations overall in the first half, but the Köpenickers were often vulnerable, especially on counterattacks. The eye-catching Eren Dinkci in particular repeatedly initiated dangerous counterattacks for Heidenheim, but these failed due to the last pass or an inaccurate finish – as on the other side Kevin Behrens (34th) and Alex Kral (37th) failed against Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Müller.
Heidenheim stays active and rewards himself
He also had to intervene directly in the second half. Once again it was Behrens (48th) who forced Müller to make a strong save from close range and only hit the post in the follow-up shot.
But Heidenheim also remained active, posed problems for Union – and, in the person of Beste, was wonderfully rewarded for a strong performance.
Union in Dortmund, Heidenheim against Frankfurt
On the next matchday, coach Urs Fischer’s team will face BVB away from home (Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.). Heidenheim will be a guest in Frankfurt one day later (7:30 p.m.).