Small damper after the derby victory: The “city champions” from Union Berlin missed a perfect start to the season. The team coached by Urs Fischer had to settle for a weak game at FSV Mainz 05 with a 0-0 draw and a week after the prestige win against Hertha BSC they lost their chance of leading the Bundesliga table.
Urs Fischer turned around at the final whistle and high-fived everyone who was sitting on the Union Berlin bench. After 90 minutes, which no football fan will remember for longer than absolutely necessary, the coach calmly took the point at FSV Mainz 05.
In the sweltering heat after his derby win against Hertha, the “Stadtmeister” could have even gone top of the table, at least for a short time – but the 0-0 draw in a very weak Bundesliga game on Sunday was somehow okay for everyone. the DAZN-“Highlights” then began with a scene from the 51st minute, that said it all.
“In this heat, it was incredibly difficult to keep up the intensity,” said Union professional Rani Khedira, red in the face: “It really wasn’t a cakewalk.” The defense “fitted” – but it should have been a few more chances to score.
With the ninth league game in a row without defeat, the Köpenickers still set a club record. Most recently, Union lost to Bayern Munich in March. Mainz, who were so strong at home in the previous season, disappointed in the first home game of the season.
Mainz – Union: Hardly a goal threat on both sides
After beating his city rivals, Fischer emphasized that he didn’t have to slow down his team. Instead, the Union coach prepared his team for an opponent who “definitely has similarities to our game”. He also warned against the Mainz switching game.
But there was nothing to see in front of 25,009 fans at the beginning. Both teams engaged in duels in midfield. Except for a shot by Unions Sheraldo Becker (11th) and an unfortunate cross by Jae-Sung Lee (14th) on the other side, little happened.
With a little more momentum, both teams came out of the dressing room. Union defender Gießelmann (51′) made the first sign with a flick from 16 meters right after the break, shortly afterwards Julian Ryerson (53′) tried it from a distance. After all, FSV also reported with a real goal threat through Anton Stach (57th), Karim Onisiwo (58th) and Angelo Fulgini (67th).
1. FSV Mainz 05 – Union Berlin: The votes of the coaches
Bo Svensson (Mainz coach): “Both teams gave little. It was difficult for all the players to play under these conditions. I’m happy with the performance of my team. They were very disciplined and did what I asked for.”
Urs Fischer (Coach Union): “It was a tough game. A game in which two teams neutralized each other and were compact against the ball. It certainly wasn’t too nice if you look at it. But I’m actually happy from my side. We take the point like to go home with me.”
1. FSV Mainz 05 – Union Berlin: The lineups
Mainz: Zentner – Bell, Alexander Hack, Leitsch – Widmer, Kohr, Martin – Stach (65th Barreiro), Lee (65th Fulgini) – Ingvartsen (75th Mustapha), Onisiwo (85th Burgzorg).
