With a 1-0 (1-0) win at 1. FC Köln, Union Berlin remained unbeaten in their 13th Bundesliga game across the seasons.
Union Berlin fans enthusiastically chanted “Leaders, Leaders”, coach Urs Fischer happily hugged his players. With a deserved 1-0 (1-0) at 1. FC Köln at 5.30 p.m., the Köpenicker team moved up to the top of the table in the Bundesliga ahead of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund – but SC Freiburg was able to counter on Sunday evening.
“We’re on a roll. We’re doing well. That’s why we’re where we are,” said Captain Christopher Trimmel at DAZN. Union has been unbeaten in 13 league games across the seasons, and the opponents also showed respect. “It’s always difficult against Union. They defend very well. It’s the team that allows the fewest chances,” said FC professional Florian Kainz.
Cologne’s central defender Timo Hübers conceded an own goal in the third minute of FC’s first defeat of the season, and shortly afterwards Jordan Siebatcheu (10′) was saved from a very questionable hand penalty by FC goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe. Nevertheless, Union made amends for the annoying defeat in the Europa League against Belgian runners-up Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (0-1).
In the end, the guests brought the result in the majority (yellow-red against Luca Kilian, 81st) sovereign over time. Union was also happy about the return of Timo Baumgartl, who was in the squad for the first time after recovering from testicular cancer.
1. FC Köln not dangerous for a long time – Union misses the preliminary decision
In the end, the guests brought the result in the majority (yellow-red against Luca Kilian, 81st) sovereign over time. Union was also happy about the return of Timo Baumgartl, who was in the squad for the first time after recovering from testicular cancer.
FC coach Steffen Baumgart had reorganized his defense and deployed former Union player Kristian Pedersen on the left. Jonas Hector moved into attacking midfield, but the changes didn’t help, Cologne had no access in this formation.
Berlin started furiously, forced FC to make mistakes and took the lead with the first attack. Union could have scored more goals, but the hosts hardly got into the opposing half in an orderly manner.
Therefore, the Cologne team was able to record the 0:1 at half-time almost as a success. The difference in speed, impact and precision was too clear. FC, which is still working through the scandalous game in Nice, did not manage an orderly attack in the first half and did not endanger Lennart Grill, who had moved into the Berlin goal at short notice.
That changed abruptly at the beginning of the second round. Linton Maina appeared clear in front of Grill after winning a running duel, Frederik Rönnow’s representative held strong (47th). However, Cologne could not establish themselves on the offensive and were rather lucky when a lob from Trimmel (57th) touched the crossbar of the FC goal.
With the lead behind them, Union avoided risk and focused primarily on the very strong defence. Cologne tried, but found no solutions. After the exhausting games on the international stage during the week, both teams lacked freshness and speed.
