After parting ways with Urs Fischer, Union finally wants to win again. Against Augsburg there is first new dynamics, then old problems – and finally celebration.
1. FC Union Berlin has ended its losing streak in the Bundesliga under interim coaching duo Marco Grote and Marie-Louise Eta, but is still waiting for its first win since August.
In the first game after the end of coach Urs Fischer’s era, the Köpenickers drew 1-1 (0-1) from FC Augsburg in the sold-out An der Alten Försterei stadium on Saturday. Kevin Volland secured the draw late with his first goal for Union (88th minute).
By winning their first point, the Berliners left bottom of the table after nine league defeats in a row, but have now not managed a win in 15 games. Eta made history as the first female assistant coach at a men’s Bundesliga club.
Augsburg scores from the point – Union misses
In front of 22,012 spectators, Ermedin Demirovic put the guests in the lead (39th/foul penalty). Robin Knoche missed a penalty for Berlin (58th).
Union’s next important game in the Champions League is on Wednesday at SC Braga (9 p.m./DAZN). It’s about who will be allowed to continue playing in the Europa League next year. In the Bundesliga, the Berliners have to face record champions Bayern Munich next Saturday.
FCA welcomes Eintracht Frankfurt on the next matchday. With their third draw in a row, the Swabians remained unbeaten in their fifth game under new coach Jess Thorup. Augsburg is in the middle of the table.
Before the game, the names of the former world-class footballer Raúl as well as the ex-Bundesliga coaches Alfred Schreuder and Oliver Glasner were in the press as possible Fischer successors. “In the end it has to be a coach who has authenticity, who has a clear path,” said President Dirk Zingler before the game on the pay TV channel Sky.
Union fans thank Fischer
Fischer’s farewell initially set the mood in the stadium. Banners once again thanked the long-time successful Swiss, who, in his own words, wanted to watch the game on television, and his assistant coach Markus Hoffmann. “You have made dreams come true that we never actually had,” it said.
On the bench on Saturday, after five and a half years under the Swiss, were Grote and Eta, who had tried to clear the heads of the professionals in many conversations in their short time before the game.
Even if there were some uncertainties, the Berliners appeared more dynamic offensively. Kevin Behrens (10th) and David Datro Fofana (45th + 4) missed from promising positions. But the guests also had their chances.
As has often been the case in recent weeks, an unfortunate event made life difficult for the Berliners. Gosens hit the opponent and the ball during a risky tackle on the edge of the penalty area. Referee Florian Badstübner decided on a penalty and stuck with it even after looking at the video images. Demirovic converted. The mood in the stands became increasingly angry because of the decision. Shortly before the break, Phillip Tietz was close to making it 2-0 with a header.
After Iago collided with Christopher Trimmel, the referee awarded a penalty after looking at the screen. But Knoche failed because of Dahmen. A goal from Gosens did not count because it was offside. Union ran. Volland equalized to huge celebrations after a rebound in the penalty area.
Source: Stern
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