Niko Kovac made five changes following Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat at Bodø/Glimt: Schlotterbeck, Ryerson, Nmecha, Nwaneri and Guirassy returned to a starting line-up that went about its work with real intensity, having taken their coach’s criticism to heart. Borussia won the majority of their duels in the first half (56 per cent), but tough challenges earned Ethan Nwaneri (1), Waldemar Anton (7) and Serhou Guirassy (14) early yellow cards.
After a fiercely contested opening, the Black & Yellows began to produce some good football, applying pressure in waves (63 per cent possession in the first half) and frequently pushing forward down the right through the lively Julian Ryerson. However, this did not lead to any goalscoring chances. Instead, Union began to threaten in the closing minutes of the first half, but Gregor Kobel was alert to Kastriot Imeri’s awkward bouncing free-kick (45+3).
In the relentless Berlin rain, BVB created their first chance in the 56th minute, but Maxi Beier put Ryerson’s cross narrowly wide. The Black & Yellows were increasingly effective in their counter-pressing, and both teams began to show more attacking intent: Borussia pushed forward, while Berlin waited for chances on the break. Union’s Tim Skarke failed to capitalise on one such opportunity after a misplaced pass from Gadou (60). Konstantinos Karetsas, who had only just come on, suffered an ankle injury with no opponent involved and was replaced by Mathis Albert (79).
Guirassy went close with a header from Ryerson’s free-kick delivery (79), and in the 89th minute he was forced too far wide after receiving Nmecha’s pass. In stoppage time, a cross skimmed off Guirassy’s head, leaving a surprised Albert unable to direct the ball towards goal.
UNION BERLIN – BORUSSIA DORTMUND 0-0 (0-0)
Bundesliga, Matchday 6
FCU: Rönnow – Haberer (76. Trimmel), Uduokhai, van den Bosch, Rothe – Schäfer (76. Kemlein), Khedira – Aebischer – Imeri (46. Latte Lath), Jeong (90+3. Güther) – SkarkeBench: Raab, Köhn, Querfeld, Gray, Ljubicic
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