Borussia fall to 2-1 defeat at Union Berlin

Borussia suffered a 2-1 defeat at Union Berlin on Bundesliga matchday 3. Two first-half goals put the Berliners on course for victory, with Jonas Hofmann getting one back for the Foals in injury time.

The Foals got off to a good start in front of the nearly 11,000 fans at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, but failed to create any big chances for themselves over the course of the game. Nico Gießelmann opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, with Taiwo Awoniyi adding a second just before the break (41’). Borussia put the hosts under pressure after the break, but failed to see their efforts rewarded with a goal. Midway through injury time, Jonas Hofmann was able to get one back for the Foals, but it wasn't enough to prevent another defeat.

TEAM NEWS

Head coach Adi Hütter made three changes to the line up following last weekend’s 4-0 defeat in Leverkusen. Jordan Beyer, Ramy Bensebaini and Hannes Wolf replaced Matthias Ginter, Stefan Lainer and Marcus Thuram. Yann Sommer started in goal, behind a back four of Joe Scally, Beyer, Nico Elvedi and Bensebaini. Christoph Kramer and Florian Neuhaus were paired in defensive midfield, behind an attacking line up of Jonas Hofmann, Lars Stindl and Wolf. Alassane Plea was the lone man up top.

In addition to Matthias Ginter (tested positive for Covid-19), Borussia were also without Marcus Thuram (MCL tear), Stefan Lainer (broken ankle), Manu Koné (MCL injury), Breel Embolo (match fitness) and Mamadou Doucouré (rehabbing following an Achilles tendon tear). Denis Zakaria returned to the matchday squad for the first time this season and was subbed on at half time. Youngster Mika Schroers was also included in his first Bundesliga matchday squad with the Foals.

FIRST-HALF HIGHLIGHTS: 

4’: The first chance of the match falls to Union! Bensebaini unintentionally deflects a cross through to Trimmel, but his first-time volley sails just over the bar.

11’: Khedira is able to block Hofmann’s shot, resulting in a corner kick for the Foals. Gießelmann is then able to clear it at the near post, preventing the corner from falling to Stindl.

22’: Union take the lead. Haraguchi’s cross finds Gießelmann unmarked at the far post, where he’s able to head home the opener.

34’: Awoniyi breaks past both Kramer and Beyer and is through on goal against Sommer. Our keeper stays calm in the one-on-one and makes the save.

36’: Gladbach come close to an equaliser as Wolf has a go from close range, but Luthe is able to get down and keep out his attempt.

41’: Union double their advantage. The guests switch over to counter quickly from a Borussia corner, as Kruse picks out Awoniyi with a through ball. The striker rounds Sommer and slots home a second for the hosts.

44’: Two chances in a matter of seconds for the Foals! Hofmann’s shot is blocked by Luthe, as the rebound falls to Neuhaus. His shot sails just wide of the empty net.

SECOND-HALF HIGHLIGHTS: 

60’: Plea lets loose a shot from the left edge of the box, but it sails harmlessly over the bar.

62’: Minutes later, Scally’s attempt from the right wing also flies wide of the target.

67’: Union come close twice, as Gießelmann heads wide before Öztunali also misses the net with a shot.

70’: The Foals continue trying their luck from range, as Zakaria sends a shot just over the bar.

79’: Scally nearly gets one back for Borussia, but he’s unable to connect cleanly with Herrmann’s pass.

90+1: Hofmann cuts the deficit! Bénes’ initial attempt is blocked by Luthe, but Hofmann is able to stick the rebound into the back of the net.

90’+2: The final chance of the game falls to Herrmann, as he hits the side netting from close range.

MATCH FACTS: 

Union: Luthe – Baumgartl, Knoche, Jaeckel – Trimmel, Khedira (82. Griesbeck), Gießelmann, Haraguchi (61’ Ryerson), Öztunali (82’ Teuchert) – Awoniyi (73’ Behrens), Kruse (82‘ Voglsammer)

Borussia: Sommer – Scally, Beyer, Elvedi, Bensebaini – Kramer (46’ Zakaria), Neuhaus (84’ Bénes) – Hofmann, Stindl, Wolf (46’ Herrmann) – Plea (72‘ Bennetts) / Bench: Sippel, Jantschke, Netz, Noß, Schroers

Goals: 1-0 Gießelmann (22’), 2-0 Awoniyi (41’), 2-1 Hofmann (90’+1)

Attendance: 11,006 (sold-out)

Yellow cards: Haraguchi, Trimmel

Referee: Dr. Felix Brych

Jordan Beyer replaced Matthias Ginter in the starting XI.
Around 1,200 Borussia fans made the trip to Berlin to support the Foals.
Denis Zakaria made his comeback from injury.

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